It’s almost time for Boston College students to throw on their brightest maroons and golds, pack the T, and ship down to TD Garden for, quite possibly, one of the most treasured Boston traditions of all time: the Beanpot.
Whether you’re a die-hard BC hockey fan who can name every player since the 90s or someone whose mind spins when you hear the words “icing” or “offsides,” cheering on the Eagles in the annual tournament is an iconic BC event—and an unparalleled chance to show off your school spirit.
Here’s a guide to make the most of the event, BC style.
A Beantown Tradition
The Beanpot, the annual ice hockey tournament featuring Boston’s four major collegiate hockey teams—BC, Boston University, Harvard, and Northeastern—is as historically rich as the city of Boston.
The tournament’s name is a nod to Boston’s nickname, “Beantown,” which many attribute to the historic popularity of Boston baked beans. Though this colonial-era dish may not be as popular now as it was a few centuries ago, its legacy remains: the prize for winning the tournament is, in fact, a pot-shaped trophy.
The men’s Beanpot, held in the first two weeks of February, dates back to the 1952-53 season. BU leads the way with 32 overall wins, with BC in second place with 20, and Northeastern at a close third with 19. The women’s Beanpot, which is held in mid-January, began in 1979.
Although BC women’s hockey fell short of taking the trophy home this year—losing in the consolation game to Northeastern—BC men’s hockey’s hopes are still alive.
They’ll take on Harvard at 5 p.m. in the semifinals on Monday, Feb. 2. With a win, they would advance to the Championship at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, while a loss would lead to a 4:30 p.m. third-place game on the same day.
New England Sports Network (NESN) will deliver live and exclusive tournament coverage.
Pack. The. T.
When it comes to the Beanpot, it’s not just the destination that matters: the journey is equally important.
Both rounds of the men’s tournament are held downtown at TD Garden. Luckily for BC students, the Green Line provides an accessible mode of transportation to ensure you’re there to cheer on your fellow Eagles.
Hop on the Green Line’s Boston College stop at Lower Campus. From there, ride the B Line until Government Center before switching to the D or E lines to get to North Station, which is located directly below TD Garden.
Make sure to pack the T to prevent rival fans from getting on—especially if the Eagles end up playing our Comm Ave rivals, BU, in the second round.
A hack for any freshmen on Upper Campus: take the D Line from the Chestnut Hill stop for a less crowded and more convenient ride. Try to get to the game early and budget about an hour for travel time to give yourself enough time to grab seats and snacks before the puck drops!
Show Your Superfan Pride
Showing off your BC pride begins with your outfit.
Wear any and all BC merch: sweatshirts, beanies, you name it. Go all out with the maroon and gold.
Throw on the BC Hockey jersey, or prove that you’re really a Superfan by donning that undeniably spirited shirt. Let’s be honest—when else would you wear it?
If you’re looking to elevate your Beanpot outfit, consider checking out sites like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay—from old-school jerseys and crewnecks to vintage jackets, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find a unique and stylish piece of BC merch to show your school spirit.
Complete the look with some beaded necklaces and temporary tattoos from the BC Bookstore to really show off your pride!
Bring Your Spirit!
Demonstrating your Eagle pride starts with knowing your cheers.
The basics—like the classic “Let’s Go Eagles!” or, if we’re facing our Comm Ave rivals, “Sucks to BU”—are easy enough. But it’s imperative that you know one chant in particular: The Sieve Chant.
After BC scores, direct this cheer to the opposing team’s goalie:
“Ohhhh, sieve! (4x) [Player’s last name!] (3x) You suck. At life. And goal-tending. It’s all your fault! It’s all your fault! It’s all your fault! It’s all your fault!”
Simply reciting the words isn’t enough. Make sure to cheer as loudly as you can, not just to emphasize BC pride, but to drown out the cheers of the opposing team!
