Governor Healey Announces Historic $93 Million Investment in Springfield's MassMutual Center

Governor Healey Announces Historic $93 Million Investment in Springfield's MassMutual Center 

Largest capital investment in facility's history will modernize venue, support Springfield Thunderbirds and strengthen regional economy  

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Maura Healey today announced $93 million in new capital investments for Springfield's MassMutual Center over the next five years, representing the largest investment in the facility's history and reaffirming the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to Springfield and Western Massachusetts. 

The improvements will modernize the arena and convention center, enhance accessibility and safety, improve the visitor experience, support the Springfield Thunderbirds, and strengthen the MassMutual Center's role as a driver of economic activity for downtown Springfield and the region. 

“The MassMutual Center is an important economic engine for Springfield and all of Western Massachusetts, bringing visitors to the region, supporting local businesses and creating jobs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This historic investment will modernize the facility, improve accessibility, enhance the experience for visitors and ensure the MassMutual Center remains a destination for conventions, sporting events, concerts and community gatherings for years to come.” 

“We're making investments that strengthen downtown Springfield and create new opportunities for businesses, workers and families across the region,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These upgrades will help attract more events, support our local economy and ensure the MassMutual Center continues to serve as a hub for entertainment, tourism and economic growth.” 

“For those of us who call Springfield home, the MassMutual Center has long been a gathering place for our community. It was at this site that the people of western and central Massachusetts gathered in the earliest days of our nation’s founding. Now, 250 years later, it represents a critical economic catalyst, one that will continue to serve our region for years to come,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “I want to thank Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for continuing to make meaningful investments throughout western and central Massachusetts. Initiatives like this one make a world of difference to our local economies and will have a lasting impact on our small businesses, workers, and families.” 

The $93 million investment will fund improvements over the next five years focused on life safety and accessibility upgrades, improvements to the visitor experience, and operational enhancements that position the facility for long-term success. 

Planned improvements include:  

• Modernizing fire alarm, sprinkler and ventilation systems. 
• Accessibility upgrades and compliance with ADA and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board standards.  
• Improved wayfinding and digital signage.  
• Concession and food service enhancements.  
• A new scoreboard and additional rigging infrastructure to support a wider range of events.  
• Other operational and infrastructure improvements that improve efficiency and expand the facility's capabilities. 

The MassMutual Center serves as the home of the Springfield Thunderbirds, one of the region's premier sports and entertainment attractions. These investments will strengthen the team's home arena while ensuring the facility can continue attracting fans, sporting events, concerts and conventions for years to come. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the Springfield Thunderbirds have also reached an agreement in principle on a five-year extension that would keep the team playing at the MassMutual Center, with final terms still being completed. 

“I’m happy to be able to support the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority in making these types of investments in a facility that can bring important economic development opportunities to Springfield and the entire region,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “By taking on projects like upgrading the concessions and investing in a new jumbotron, we will not only be able to improve the customer experience but attract shows to the city that have never come here before. It’s an exciting time for both the MassMutual Center and the city of Springfield.” 

“I want to first thank Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll for their commitment to strengthening our downtown and enhancing opportunities for economic activity here in Springfield,” said Mayor Dominic Sarno. “This is music to my ears with having thousands of people continuing to come downtown, the spin-off effects to our other amenities and establishments including restaurants, bars, hotels are positive and appreciated. Thank you to MCCA Director John Barros and the MCCA Board of Directors too for your continued belief and investment in our Springfield. The completed and impressive ‘Convention Center Car Park’ structure has transformed the downtown business district and now this major capital investment will continue to build upon that. It has been wonderful to have the new garage and The Landing outdoor event space for lawn parties, soccer watch parties, yoga classes, our downtown farmer’s market, and so much more. I am deeply appreciative of my city team with Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, and our partners at the MassMutual Center under GM Sean Dolan, and of course our beloved Springfield Thunderbirds too for their investments and partnership. The MassMutual Center has been on fire, selling out, breaking records, and bringing even more diverse entertainment options to our region than ever before. This is an exciting time for our Springfield and we’re proud of our continued ‘renaissance.’” 

“These investments in the MassMutual Center are critical to our operations and to expanding our economic impact across the greater Springfield region,” said John Barros, Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll administration, the MCCA Board of Directors, and Mayor Sarno for your leadership and support as we work to ensure the long-term success of this facility.” 

“On behalf of the Springfield Thunderbirds, we are thrilled to enter into this long-term partnership with the MCCA,” said Paul Picknelly, Managing Partner of the Springfield Thunderbirds. “The significant investments currently underway and planned for the coming years will enhance the fan experience and strengthen operations throughout the facility. From upgraded concessions and scoreboards to improved parking and accessibility, the MCCA’s commitment helps position the MassMutual Center and the Thunderbirds for long-term success while strengthening Springfield’s proud hockey tradition.” 

The announcement builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's continued investments in Springfield and the MassMutual Center campus, reinforcing the facility's role as a regional destination that supports jobs, tourism and economic growth across Western Massachusetts.