Gov. Maura Healey dons a Springfield Thunderbirds jersey and poses for a photo with Boomer as businessman Paul Picknelly talks about the $93 million coming to the MassMutual Center.
Reminder Publishing photo by Dennis Hackett
SPRINGFIELD — On July 30, local and state officials announced a $93 million investment for the MassMutual Center.
Gov. Maura Healey explained that the money, which is coming through a new partnership between Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Springfield Thunderbirds, will be implemented over the next five years with planned improvements for a modernized fire alarm, sprinkler and ventilation systems; Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades; improved wayfinding and digital signage, concession and food service enhancements; a new scoreboard and additional rigging infrastructure; and other operational and infrastructure improvements.
“Over the next five years, we’ll see $93 million to modernize this facility, to make sure that this center is competitive for decades to come,” Healey said. “These are smart investments, they’re smart investments for the MassMutual Central, they’re smart investments for Springfield, they’re smart investments for Massachusetts.”
Healey added that the improvements also include a new jumbotron.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said the investment would drive more people downtown.
“A $93 million investment, which is going to help with the physical plan, the arena, infrastructure, the fan experience will be much, much better, and you can’t put a price tag on that,” he said. “When people are feeling good, and you keep it vibrant, clean and safe, they like to spend money in your places, and that is music to my ears.”
Sarno reflected on how attendance at Thunderbirds games has grown over the time that he has had season tickets.
“I’ve been a season ticket holder for well over 20 years or more. I remember the days when we used to maybe draw 2,500 people, 3,000 people here for a game. The T-Birds are drawing over 6,200 fans every game, 20 sellouts, they made a run for the conference final this past year, downtown was electric,” Sarno said.
Healey said the investment was going to create a “fantastic family experience” at the arena.
“Today is about investing in Western Massachusetts, and it’s about investing in one of our state’s most important civic and economic assets,” she said. “The MassMutual Center is more than an arena, it’s where families gather to cheer on the Thunderbirds, it’s where conventions and conferences, and concerts and events take place, which bring in folks from around the region.”
Healey said that the investment would “supercharge” an economic engine in Springfield and that it highlights the importance of supporting Western Massachusetts.
“We believe that every region in Massachusetts deserves investments that create opportunities, strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Springfield, the heart of Western Mass., is so critical to our state’s success … And that’s why we’ve made an effort in continuing to make investments in Springfield and in this area,” Healey said.
Interim MCCA Executive Director John Barros said this was the largest investment to the MassMutual Center ever. The facility previously received $65 million for improvements in 2005 and $65 million for the carpark and Landing in 2024.
“It is exciting to be here to celebrate the one-time largest commitment to this facility,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal praised Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s investment in Western Mass.
“Their attentiveness to Western Massachusetts and Springfield here in the Pioneer Valley is really unmatched. Whether it’s a phone call, a visit or advocacy, you can always count on Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll,” he said.
Neal talked about the historical significance of Court Square and continued investment in the MassMutual Center, calling it “Springfield’s front yard.”
“It was the forerunner of what we call representative democracy, people gathered to make some of the most important decisions that would affect their lives. And of that, was the term civic center, implying a gathering, where people of goodwill might come together and discuss relevant issues that they would confront … the whole premise of civic engagement,” Neal said.
Neal also highlighted the different people that have come to the MassMutual Center, whether it was a performance from Elvis Pressley, a visit from civil rights leader John Lewis and many more.
“It’s in the center of our community but the whole notion again was engagement. The governor’s announcement today, to further that opportunity with $93 million is a terrific upgrade, not just for the facility, but for civic pride and the understanding and obligations that come with citizenship,” he said.
Local businessman Paul Picknelly, representing the ownership group of the Thunderbirds, talked about hockey’s 100-year history in Springfield, which dates back to the Springfield Indians.
“I want to express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, John Barros from the MCCA and the commonwealth of Massachusetts. When we step back and look at the rich hockey history of the city, AHL hockey isn’t just an entertainment option, it’s a piece of Springfield’s DNA,” Picknelly said.
He called the $93 million investment “a transformative moment.”
“It isn’t just an investment in a building, it’s an investment in Downtown Springfield and our small businesses in our regional economy, and a community anchor that has been in this arena for over half a century,” he said.
He added that the Thunderbirds will remain in Springfield for years to come.
Healey closed by talking about the importance of sports and how they bring people together.
“Sports do bring people together, and it’s something we want to promote along with concerts, along with entertainment, and there’s going to be no better place to do it than at the MassMutual Center,” she said.
