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Date: 6/21/2023
SPRINGFIELD — After what some are referring to as one of the “biggest weekends in recent history” of Western Massachusetts, an analysis is being conducted to reveal the economic impact it had on the city of Springfield and its surrounding communities.
On June 8, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took the stage at the MassMutual Center for a sold-out show as part of their Restless Legs tour.
On June 10 and 11, Bruno Mars performed two sold out shows at the same arena.
On June 11, more than 1,300 athletes took part in the first Ironman 70.3 Western Massachusetts.
During this time, Springfield Restaurant Week kicked-off on June 9 and lasted through the 18th.
As of press time, Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President of Marketing Michelle Goldberg said the analysis from that weekend had not been completed. She explained that the approximate economic impact will be based on the estimated number of athletes that competed in Ironman, concert goers, along with booked hotel rooms.
Goldberg noted that the economic impact goes beyond Springfield, to include most of — if not all — of Western Massachusetts.
On June 13, the MassMutual Center issued a press release stating, “Western Massachusetts just experienced one of its busiest weekends in recent history, welcoming tens of thousands of sports and entertainment fans to the city of Springfield.”
The release continued, “Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company that analyzes data of visitors and events, estimates the economic impact of the weekend at over $3.5 million. The energy and excitement of the weekend drove more than just ticket sales as visitors filled restaurants, bars, hotels, parking lots and other city venues.”
Goldberg said, the $3.5 million figure that MassMutual used does not take booked hotel rooms into account or the impact of Restaurant Week. “[There is] a lot of anecdotal information but not enough research yet,” as they plan to look at cell phone data, hotel data and meal and room tax, she said. Goldberg shared that it could take a couple of weeks to find the exact economic impact, but once those figures are determined the information will be released.
The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted the inaugural Ironman competition in Springfield. Goldberg said her organization is responsible for bringing this to Western Massachusetts. As it is an “international brand” it attracts athletes from various locations.
With a large competitor turnout in its first year, Goldberg said she is hoping it will “just grow from there.”
Six cities and towns were involved in Ironman including Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Westfield, Southwick and Granville, along with a small portion of Suffield, Connecticut.
Goldberg shared that community involvement was the biggest takeaway, with spectators and public safety officials lining the 56-mile bike course to cheer on competitors.
“[We were] thrilled to see [the] turnout so high,” she said.
Without the collaboration from the six communities, Goldberg said Ironman would have never been able to happen. She noted that all the communities had fun and showed great hospitality.
Overall, “the anecdotal was great,” Goldberg added.
MassMutual acknowledged MGM Springfield for their support and partnership over the weekend.
According to the release, MGM also experienced at-capacity crowds, with nationally known Psychic Medium Matt Fraser taking the stage on June 9 and 10. The Free Music Fridays concert series on the MGM Springfield Plaza took place with fan favorite Brass Attack and ROAR! The Comedy Club also welcomed comedian Brian Glowacki.
“Our entire team could not be more proud to have played a role in bringing thousands of people to downtown Springfield to experience a show stopping lineup of artists,” said MGM Springfield President Chris Kelley.
MassMutual Center General Manager Sean Dolan said, “It was a phenomenal weekend welcoming world class entertainment and tens of thousands of guests to the region. MassMutual Center is delighted that all three shows hosted in the building were sold out and brought tremendous economic impact to the city of Springfield.”