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Date: 4/18/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Parlaying major entertainment events into economic development was the focus of Mayor Domenic Sarno during the April 10 announcement of a pair of Bruno Mars concerts at the MassMutual Center.
In celebrating “Uptown Funk” coming to downtown Springfield, the mayor highlighted the city’s partnerships with MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center as major drivers for its hospitality and creative sectors, specifically in the downtown corridor.
Winner of multiple Grammy awards, Mars will perform two shows on Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11, that will serve as the venue’s marquee events of the summer. Both shows will begin at 8 p.m.
“Once again, MGM rises to the occasion bringing internationally known stars … Everybody knows Bruno Mars and his music, and he is going to draw capacity crowds to the MassMutual Center. The spinoff effects are tremendous,” Sarno said at the April 10 announcement in the MassMutual Center Convention Center lobby, adding “downtown is hopping” before and after performances or athletic events such as Springfield Thunderbirds games.
Likewise, MassMutual Center Executive Director and General Manager Sean Dolan said, “This is another announcement that highlights the commitment of MGM Springfield to the city of Springfield and to Western Massachusetts.”
Owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the MassMutual Center has been managed by MGM Springfield since 2017, in accordance with the casino’s host community agreement. Additionally, MGM Springfield hosts shows and concerts at Symphony Hall.
In addition to Mars, MGM also announced on April 10 two nationally acclaimed acts appearing at Symphony Hall, bolstering the casino’s summer entertainment lineup. Chicago, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Grammy-honored rock and roll band best known for hits such as “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday In The Park” will appear at the historic theater on June 30. Vocal legend Gladys Knight is also scheduled to appear in Springfield. The multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning singer will take the Symphony Hall stage on July 15.
Additionally, The Temptations and the Four Tops will appear at Symphony Hall on May 21, Motown legends the Commodores will play MGM Springfield’s Aria Ballroom on May 5 and Grammy and Latin Grammy winning band Santana will perform at the MassMutual Center on Aug. 8.
MGM also recently touted a comedy show featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as part of their Restless Leg Tour at the MassMutual Center. The Saturday Night Live alumnae known for their work on NBC hits “30 Rock” and “Parks and Recreation,” among many other specials, shows and movies, will appear on June 8. Boston-native comedian Bill Burr will return to the venue on Aug. 12.
MGM’s slate is the highlight of a broader array of events and experiences taking place downtown in the coming months.
Also at Symphony Hall, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s season will conclude on May 13 with “Beauty Amid Chaos,” featuring guest conductor Theodore Kuchar of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine and cellist Matt Haimovitz.
As well, the Thunderbirds secured a spot in the American Hockey League Calder Cup playoffs. The hockey team’s presence has proven to be a boon for downtown. Having sold every ticket for its final two games, the Thunderbirds celebrated a franchise-high 15 sellouts and 91% season-long capacity, drawing an average of 6,162 fans to the city over the course of 36 regular season home dates.
During their 2022 run to the Calder Cup Finals, the Thunderbirds averaged 6,134 fans in 11 postseason games.
This year’s push for the cup began with a best-of-three opening-round series against the Hartford Wolf Pack, which kicked off on April 19. The Thunderbirds will travel to Hartford on Friday, April 21, and might return to Springfield for a deciding third game, if necessary, on Saturday, April 22.
A tight race for playoff seedings that lasted through the final game of the regular season and the uncertainty of the postseason schedule by its nature has created obstacles for the front office, but it has been engaged in ticket sales since early April through its Pay as we Play Plan. With this plan, fans can lock in their seat and pay with a pre-authorized credit card as tickets become available as the team advances. Pay as we Play is available until 24 hours before the start of the first playoff game, at which point seats become available for public sale.
Additionally, the team announced every home playoff game in the first three rounds will feature $2 sodas, domestic draft beers and hot dogs through the first period.
Last season’s deep playoff run concluded on June 25. Events at the MassMutual Center such as the Mars concert could impact scheduling of playoff games should the Thunderbirds advance.
Hockey is just the tip of the iceberg that is athletic events and showcases in the city. The inaugural Ironman Western Massachusetts triathlon kicks off on June 11. Starting at Riverfront Park, athletes will perform a 1.2-mile swim in the Connecticut River, followed by a 56-mile bike ride, and ending with a 13.1 mile run along the Connecticut River Walk, finishing in downtown Springfield.
“You’re going to have about 2,500 competitors, and they bring a travel team, so when they are down here in Springfield, they are going to be spending money. That adds to economic vibrancy for the city of Springfield, especially for the downtown area,” said Sarno during an Oct. 14, 2022, press conference announcing the event.
The Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame’s annual enshrinement ceremony will return to Symphony Hall on Aug. 12, along with its VIP reception. However, the class of 2023 press conference, autograph session and Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala will take place at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun casino.
In the past, the Hall of Fame has hosted the 60 Days of Summer, a series of conversations with luminaries from the sport invented in Springfield. As of press time, however, there had been no announcement on whether that would return.
The Spirit of Springfield’s presence in downtown will remain strong this spring and summer, starting with the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast on May 13 and continuing with the Star Spangled Springfield Fourth of July fireworks display on the Memorial Bridge.
After approximately 15,000 attended the inaugural event in 2022, city leaders announced on April 4 the return of the Springfield LGBTQ+ Pride Parade. The parade will step off from Springfield Technical Community College on June 3 and continue to City Hall. The You Ball fundraising gala sponsored by the Springfield Pride Parade will precede the parade on June 1 at MGM Springfield’s Aria Ballroom, with proceeds going to support the Safe Space After School Program.
Springfield Restaurant Week, presented by the Springfield Business Improvement District, will return and include food and drink establishments citywide from June 9-18.
The Worthy Brew Fest, considered one of the area’s premiere craft beer events hosted by Smith’s Billiards and Theodore’s Booze, Brews and BBQ, will take place on Worthington Street on June 17. The event features local and regional commercial brewers as well as a homebrew contest.
Springfield Comic Con will return to the MassMutual Center on July 15-16. Last year’s event drew thousands, and this year’s will feature special guests including comic book artists and writers Keith Williams, Todd Dezago and Craig Rousseau, and Jim Lawson, who worked with the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.