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MassMutual Center set for Sept. opening

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD James Rooney, the executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) looked around the "pre-function" area of the new 15,000 square foot ballroom of the new MassMutual Center and said, "this is one of the more exciting areas."

The space has high ceilings and huge windows overlooking Main Street. Being on the second floor of the Center, it offers a scenic view of Court Square and City Hall. The area is designed as a mingling space where cocktails would be served prior to an event in the ballroom.

"I'm very pleased with the space they created," he added.

Rooney conducted a tour of the building for the press on May 25. He said that the basic construction is largely done and now the finishing touches will be applied to the $71 million building for its opening on Sept. 30.

With the exception of the arena, the new Center is substantially larger than the former Springfield Civic Center, which was opened in 1969. There is now about 147,000 square feet of new construction that was added to the existing 215,000 square feet.

The Exhibition Hall is now 40,000 square feet in size about four times the size of the former exhibition area. There is now 9,000 square feet of meeting space that can be divided into five separate spaces if needed. And the new ballroom area is 15,000 square feet in size, can be configured in different ways thanks to removable walls and holds over 1,000 people.

Only the arena area has lost capacity. With new chairs, new wider aisles and proper seating for the handicapped, Rooney said that refurbished space could hold 6,627 people, down from 7,300.

Starting on the concourse around the arena, Rooney pointed out the new clubroom that will be used by those holding special "club" season tickets to the Springfield Falcons. There is also a new bar and lounge on the concourse levels as well as new and additional rest rooms.

Taking the group to the top level of seats in the arena, Rooney noted that there are no columns or supports to obscure any view of the floor.

The arena will have a new sound system, a new scoreboard and ceiling, he added.

The main entrance will no longer be on Main Street, but on East Court Street, opposite the entrance to the parking garage, he said. The ticketing area is designed to accommodate lines inside the building. There will be a wider sidewalk around the building and East Court Street will resume being a two-way street once construction is completed.

Rooney said that the new Center was built with a sense of "connectivity." The arena, meeting rooms, exhibition area and the ballroom can all be easily reached from one another. That allows a group wanting to use the Center for an activity to have as much or as little space as they need.

There is a new kitchen with appliances ready for installation and stainless steel walls still covered by a protective film. Rooney said that all of the catering for the events at the Center would be done in-house.

Rooney praised Fontaine Brothers Contracting for its work, especially in coordinating with the Springfield Falcons in making sure the hockey team could continue with its season.

"They did outstanding work," he said.



Economic Engine

The new center currently has 15 contracted events from Nov. 20, 2005 through June 8, 2007 and has another 19 contracts pending. Among the contracted events are the Wedding Day Source Book Bridal Expo, the Bright Nights Ball, the Boston Pops, the Northeast Conference on Camping and Tradeshow, Champions on Ice and the Association of Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners.

Rooney said that there is a "great mix of opportunity" between the trade shows, meetings, and social events that are booked.

According to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the 15 contracted events should draw an estimated 45,351 people who will have a direct benefit to the economy of $3,362,195 and a tax benefit of $239,554.

Rooney said he thinks that within six months to a year after the opening, more entertainment events, such as concerts and family attractions, will be booked.



Hotels and parking

Rooney said that the city is about 200 hotel rooms short at this time for his liking in order to attract conventions and trade shows.

"It would be ideal to have another downtown hotel within walking distance," he explained. "Another couple of hundred more rooms would put us in a very good position."

Paul Picknelly of Picknelly Properties told Reminder Publications that he is in talks with the city in order to reach an accord on tax issues that are delaying the completion of a new downtown hotel at Court Square.

Picknelly's company operates the Sheraton and the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield and said the new Park Plaza Hotel would have between 125 to 135 rooms, depending upon the ratio of suites and rooms.

Picknelly said that guests at the Hilton Garden Inn, next to the Basketball Hall of Fame, have shown they do not want to attempt to walk to the Civic Center area because of the obstacle created by Interstate 91.

According to a report commissioned by the city by the Pinnacle Advisory Group, there is a need for another 135 hotel rooms downtown.

Picknelly said the report predicts the new Center will generate 25,000 room nights for Springfield hotels in 2007 and 33,000 in 2008.

Picknelly said that clearly there is a need for new downtown hotel.

"People want an easy connection to the convention center," he said.

The MCCA is working at this time with the city and the Springfield Parking Authority on a traffic and parking plan for the Center.

"We need to understand what facilities we have available for off-site parking," Rooney said.