Brand-New Sports Hub Takes Shape + Popular MA Stores Set To Close: Business Week

MASSACHUSETTS — From many Bay State businesses booming to a new outdoor sports hub opening soon, it's been a busy week in Massachusetts business news.

Check out the video below to watch this week's Patch food and business roundup.

Have a business story idea? Send it to jessie.castellano@patch.com

Ballers outdoor sports hub to debut in Boston this Spring

A brand-new outdoor sports destination is set to debut in Boston's Seaport neighborhood next month.

Ballers Seaport, which will feature outdoor racquet sports and social hangout spots, is set to officially open in mid-April. The 30,000-square-foot open-air venue is located at 25 Pier 4 Blvd.

Mass. stores are among 1,400 to close nationwide in 2026

By the end of the year, more than 1,400 stores in the U.S. are expected to shutter, including some in Massachusetts.

Some shops that could close in the Bay State are Carter's, Eddie Bauer, Francesca's, Macy's, Pizza Hut and more. You can find a full list here.

The majority of New England's fastest-growing companies are in MA

Massachusetts businesses make up 31 of the 50 New England-based companies with the highest growth rates over a recent three-year period, according to an annual analysis by the Boston Globe.

You can find a full list of New England's fastest-growing companies here.

Nurses hold pickets at 5 UMass Memorial hospitals

Nurses at five UMass Memorial hospitals in Central Massachusetts held informational pickets on Thursday. The purpose of the events was to raise public awareness about ongoing contract negotiations at the hospital campuses, as well as to improve patient care conditions, ensure workplace safety, and offer competitive wages, according to the MNA.

UMass Memorial Health said in a statement to Patch that its nursing caregivers are essential to the healthcare system and that it remains engaged in contract negotiations with the MNA's bargaining units across its campuses.

More Massachusetts Business News:

• Central MA College Awarded Large Donation For Its Entrepreneurship Center
• New Substance-Free Social Space For Young Adults Opening In Worcester
• Hospital Campus In Marlborough Gets $100K For Emergency Department Renovation, Expansion
• $2 Million Lottery Ticket Sold In Peabody
• Somerville Announces Plans To Fully Decarbonize Municipal Building
• Ninety Nine's Job Seeking Is Up Well More Than 99%, Restaurant Chain Says
• Boston Hotel Launches Hands-On Lobster Experience With Harbor Tour, 5-Course Meal
• New Deli Brings Bagels, Loaded Sandwiches To Popular Boston Food Hall

• • 6 MA Airports 'Hot Spots' At Risk For Collision, Confusion: FAA

Catch Up On Past Business Roundups:

• New Sporting Club Opens + Hundreds Of Jobs Coming To MA: MA Business Week
• Imminent Biotech Layoffs + Popular Retailer Closing MA Stores + National Burger Chain Expands: MA Business
• MA Favorite Eatery Expands + Movie Theater Closings + Dozens Of Workers Face Layoffs
• ‘Crazy’ Golf Venue Opens + Clothing Retailer Closing Facility + Electric Vehicle Maker Hiring