Construction continues for massive $33 million Preston Aud redevelopment

The major updates for Cambridge’s Preston Memorial Auditorium project are still underway, with the city providing new updates on the redevelopment.

The hefty updates kicked off in the fall of 2023 and are set to cost over $33 million, with the new facelift consisting of new renovations and expansions to the arena. Some of the highlights include a new NHL-sized rink, new washrooms and change rooms, updated seating and more.

While the construction itself is set to cost $28.8 million, soft costs for staffing, permitting, and more are expected to cost an additional $4.2 million, resulting in the total project budget of $33.1 million.

Along with the construction efforts, the City of Cambridge has been working to find sponsors to invest in portions of the project through Play it Forward Cambridge.

It recently announced Ball Construction as the naming sponsor of the new first aid room after donating $7,500 for the rights. The company was also the original builder of the Preston Auditorium back in 1972 and is also heading up the construction for the latest developments.

Play it Forward is the city’s fundraising campaign to support the capital costs of the renovations, not just for the Preston Aud, but also for the construction of the Cambridge Soccer Complex and the Cambridge Recreation Complex.

The redevelopment is expected to wrap up later this fall, with the city currently anticipating that the official grand opening ceremony will take place Sept. 27.

The full list of details for the project can be found on the City of Cambridge website.