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Date: 3/21/2023
SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield COO Chris Kelley, Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos and Brian Ashe, Springfield Thunderbirds Managing Partner Paul Picknelly and Thunderbirds President Nate Costa gathered and celebrated the reopening of the Indian Motorcycle 1901 store on the campus of MGM Springfield on March 16. The store, which is one of the last aspects of the MGM Springfield operation to reopen after the coronavirus pandemic restrictions were lifted, will now feature Thunderbirds merchandise in addition to Indian Motorcycle paraphernalia.
Discussing MGM Springfield’s emergence from pandemic-era setbacks, Kelley said it was “the story of a comeback” with the reopening of the store representing “one more chapter in that book.” Drawing parallels between the company and the Thunderbirds, Kelley said, “Winning teams are not teams that never lose; winning teams are teams that never quit.”
Costa noted MGM Springfield had been a major sponsor of the franchise since its inception and the team may not have survived the American Hockey League’s suspension of play in 2020 and the Thunderbirds front office’s decision to opt out of the 2020-21 season without the company’s support.
Picknelly added as a motorcycle enthusiast and Indian Motorcycle owner, he was thrilled with the addition of Thunderbirds merchandise to the store. He noted the Thunderbirds sold $600,000 worth of merchandise in a 10-foot by 10-foot retail space and welcomed the opportunity to expand the company’s branding through the new addition to the two organizations’ partnership.
Sarno, Gonzalez and Ramos all applauded MGM Springfield for its continued efforts to bring economic development to downtown Springfield while respecting and incorporating the city’s history into its operations. Considered one of the most recognizable symbols of Springfield’s industial and manufacturing roots, Indian motorcycles were produced in Springfield beginning in 1901 and were manufactured in the city through 1953.
Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer was also in attendance and while he declined to speak, he visibly supported the sentiments of those who did.