UMass Lowell Athletics to Honor Coach Billy Riley with New Champions Lounge at Tsongas Center
8/6/2026 3:05:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey, United In Blue Fund
LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Athletics has announced plans to rename and transform the current Talon Club at the Tsongas Center into the Billy Riley Champions Lounge, a lasting tribute to one of the most influential figures in the history of River Hawk Hockey.
The project will celebrate Coach Billy Riley's remarkable legacy while creating a welcoming gathering place for alumni, fans, donors and supporters to reconnect and honor the championship tradition he helped build.
"Coach Billy Riley helped define what excellence means at UMass Lowell," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "His legacy extends far beyond the Tsongas Center through the lives he impacted and the culture he built. The Billy Riley Champions Lounge will honor that legacy and inspire future generations of River Hawks to pursue excellence every day."
From 1969 to 1991, Riley guided UMass Lowell Hockey through one of the most successful eras in program history. Under his leadership, the River Hawks captured three NCAA Division II National Championships, successfully transitioned to Division I competition and helped establish Hockey East as one of college hockey's premier conferences. His leadership, integrity and commitment to developing student-athletes created a culture that continues to define the program today.
The Billy Riley Champions Lounge will feature museum-quality displays highlighting Riley's extraordinary career, championship teams and the history of UMass Lowell Hockey while providing a premier gathering space for River Hawk supporters on game days and special occasions.
To make the project possible, UMass Lowell Athletics has launched the Billy Riley Champions Fund with a fundraising goal of more than $250,000.
Supporters who make cumulative gifts of $1,000 or more will receive permanent recognition on the Billy Riley Champions Fund Donor Wall, located inside the Billy Riley Champions Lounge. Additional gifts may be made at any time and will count toward a donor's recognition level.
Help Honor Coach Billy Riley
Whether you played for Coach Riley, cheered from the stands or simply appreciate the tradition of UMass Lowell Hockey, your support will help preserve his extraordinary legacy for generations to come. You can make a gift to the Billy Riley Champions Lounge here.
Gifts at every level are welcome, and leadership commitments may be pledged over a period of up to five years. To discuss pledge or payment options, email Ryan Daly '13, senior associate athletic director for development, or call 978-934-5552.
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The project will celebrate Coach Billy Riley's remarkable legacy while creating a welcoming gathering place for alumni, fans, donors and supporters to reconnect and honor the championship tradition he helped build.
"Coach Billy Riley helped define what excellence means at UMass Lowell," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "His legacy extends far beyond the Tsongas Center through the lives he impacted and the culture he built. The Billy Riley Champions Lounge will honor that legacy and inspire future generations of River Hawks to pursue excellence every day."
From 1969 to 1991, Riley guided UMass Lowell Hockey through one of the most successful eras in program history. Under his leadership, the River Hawks captured three NCAA Division II National Championships, successfully transitioned to Division I competition and helped establish Hockey East as one of college hockey's premier conferences. His leadership, integrity and commitment to developing student-athletes created a culture that continues to define the program today.
The Billy Riley Champions Lounge will feature museum-quality displays highlighting Riley's extraordinary career, championship teams and the history of UMass Lowell Hockey while providing a premier gathering space for River Hawk supporters on game days and special occasions.
To make the project possible, UMass Lowell Athletics has launched the Billy Riley Champions Fund with a fundraising goal of more than $250,000.
Supporters who make cumulative gifts of $1,000 or more will receive permanent recognition on the Billy Riley Champions Fund Donor Wall, located inside the Billy Riley Champions Lounge. Additional gifts may be made at any time and will count toward a donor's recognition level.
Help Honor Coach Billy Riley
Whether you played for Coach Riley, cheered from the stands or simply appreciate the tradition of UMass Lowell Hockey, your support will help preserve his extraordinary legacy for generations to come. You can make a gift to the Billy Riley Champions Lounge here.
Gifts at every level are welcome, and leadership commitments may be pledged over a period of up to five years. To discuss pledge or payment options, email Ryan Daly '13, senior associate athletic director for development, or call 978-934-5552.
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