MassMutual Center

MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center is located in Massachusetts
MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center
Location within Massachusetts
MassMutual Center is located in the United States
MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center
Location within the United States
Former namesSpringfield Civic Center
(1972–2005)
Address1277 Main Street
LocationSpringfield, Massachusetts
Coordinates42°6′8″N 72°35′13″W / 42.10222°N 72.58694°W / 42.10222; -72.58694
Public transitSpringfield Union Station:

Hartford Line
OwnerCity of Springfield (1972–1997)
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (1997–present)
OperatorMGM Springfield
CapacityCenter Stage: 8,300
Basketball: 7,300
Ice hockey: 6,800
Construction
Broke groundMarch 18, 1970[1]
OpenedSeptember 5, 1972[2]
Renovated2003–2005
Construction cost$10.3 million[2]
($75 million in 2023 dollars[3])
$71 million (renovation)
($111 million in 2023 dollars[3])
ArchitectCatalano Architects Inc.[4]
Sasaki Associates[5] (renovation)
Tenants
Springfield Indians (AHL) (1972–1994)
Hartford Whalers (WHA/NHL) (1978–1980)
Springfield Fame (USBL) (1985–1986)
Springfield Falcons (AHL) (1994–2016)
Springfield Armor (NBA D-League) (2009–2014)
Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) (2016–present)
Springfield Spirit (NWBL) (2002–2004)
American International Yellow Jackets (NCAA) (2016–present)
Website
massmutualcenter.com

The MassMutual Center (formerly Springfield Civic Center) is a multi-purpose arena and convention center complex located in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, in the city's Metro Center. The arena opened in 1972 and the convention center opened in 2005. It serves as a venue for meetings, conventions, exhibitions, sporting and entertainment events.

Previously owned and operated by the City of Springfield and various management groups until 1997, the city transferred ownership of the facility to the Massachusetts Legislature. Shortly after, ownership was given to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) who in turn began working on plans to renovate and expand the facility. The two-year project, which began in 2003, included renovations to the 8,000-seat arena and the addition of a convention center. Its unique design allows for 3 to 4 concurrent events or one large event.

MGM Springfield began operating the venue on behalf of the MCCA in July 2017 in advance of its casino/hotel/retail development opening the next year.

In 2005, the venue was renamed when Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company entered into a 15-year naming rights agreement for the arena and convention center. The name change took place on September 29, 2005.

The venue is home to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League and American International Yellow Jackets who compete in NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey.

  1. ^ "Ground Broken for Civic Center". The Morning Union. Springfield, Massachusetts. March 18, 1970.
  2. ^ a b "Airport Expansion Upsets RI". The Boston Globe. September 10, 1972. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  3. ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  4. ^ "Images by Catalano, Eduardo of Springfield, Massachusetts, United States". North Carolina State University. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
  5. ^ "Don Vitters, AIA". Sasaki Associates. Archived from the original on July 12, 2007. Retrieved July 1, 2007.