The athletic center is named for S. Peter Volpe, a member of the college's Board of Trustees and benefactor.

His construction company was responsible for the building of the McQuaid Library on campus.

His brother, John Volpe, was U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Richard M. Nixon.

A major expansion[3] was completed in 2013 that included a second ice rink, a franchise food location, and a campus bookstore.

[4] Merrimack Men's Basketball played their first ever game at Lawler Arena during the 2021-22 season when they hosted Lehigh.