Thunderbirds announce first half promotional schedule

Date: 10/14/2016

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, recently announced the team’s promotional schedule for the first half of the 2016-17 season presented by MGM Springfield.

“We are thrilled with the cooperative effort between our organization, the new venue concessionaire Spectra Venue Management and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to provide Thunderbirds fans an extraordinary experience,” Thunderbirds Executive Vice President Nathan Costa said. “We hope these types of promotions, coupled with free parking each and every night at the Civic Center garage, will provide the value and game night entertainment that fans have asked for.”

Promotions include:
• $1 Nights presented by MGM Springfield, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, 11 and 25, and Dec. 2, 16 and 30.

One of the major focal points on the 2016-17 schedule, the Thunderbirds are excited to roll out $1 Nights to Springfield hockey fans. For the first time ever, for all Friday night games, fans will have the ability to purchase $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas, and $1 popcorn. These special concession prices will be available on Fridays through the start of the second period of game action.

Also on all Friday nights, the Thunderbirds will put an extra emphasis on live entertainment with the launching of the Pregame Concert Series, presented by MGM Springfield. Local artists of Springfield and the Pioneer Valley will be showcased on the main concourse of the MassMutual Center for each of the Thunderbirds’ 15 Friday nights.

• Sundae Fundays presented by Friendly’s, Nov. 6, 5:05 p.m. and Nov. 13, 3:05 p.m.

Sunday afternoon games at the MassMutual Center will present families with a special value offer courtesy of Friendly’s, which will be branded as Sundae Fundays.

A family of four will have the ability to purchase four tickets with food additions – four hot dogs, four small popcorns, four sodas – as part of the Family Four Pack. Four packs will be available for $44 in the defense zone (sections 28-31, 1-5), $55 in the attack zone (sections 13-20), and $66 in the center value area (sections 6-7, 11-12, 21-22, 26-27).

Additionally, fans purchasing the family packs on Sundae Funday will receive four Friendly’s Ice Cream Sundae coupons redeemable at participating Friendly’s restaurants.

The Sundae Funday packs will be available for purchase up to 24 hours before Sunday game times at the MassMutual Center.

• Winning Weekdays, all Monday through Thursday weekday games, debuting Jan. 4, 2017, 7:05 p.m.

The Thunderbirds’ five weekday games will provide fans with extra incentives to cheer the team to victory on what will be coined Winning Weekdays. Should the Thunderbirds win on a weekday, any fan who had a ticket to the winning game will receive a free ticket to the following weekday game on the Thunderbirds schedule.

• T-Birds Bobble Election, Nov. 4, 7:05 p.m.

On top of these daily specials, the Thunderbirds will also be hosts to many special events and themed nights. One of the significant highlights of the first half of the season will take place on Nov. 4 as Springfield hosts the Hershey Bears. The T-Birds Bobble Election, will feature Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump bobble figurines, with each candidate outfitted in Thunderbirds gear. The first candidate whose stock of bobbleheads runs out will be declared the winner of the inaugural T-Birds Bobble Election.

• Boston Bruins Alumni Doubleheader, Nov. 19, 7:05 p.m.

On Nov. 19, the Thunderbirds will welcome NHL hockey greats for the Boston Bruins Alumni Doubleheader to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, presented by King Ward Coach Lines. Bruins legends will take part in a game from 4 p.m. ET until 6 p.m. Tickets to the Thunderbirds’ game against the Providence Bruins will also be admitted to the legends’ alumni game.

• Teddy Bear Toss, Military Appreciation Night presented by Smith & Wesson, Dec. 3, 7:05 p.m.

The month of December brings with it the first ever Teddy Bear Toss in Springfield hockey history on Dec. 3 against Providence. The night will double as Military Appreciation Night presented by Smith & Wesson, featuring the national anthem and other performances by the 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

• Rene Rancourt Special Appearance, Jan. 7, 2017, 7:05 p.m.