Springfield Civic Center
| The Nest | |
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| Former names | Springfield Civic Center (1972–2005) |
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| Location | 1277 Main Street Springfield, Massachusetts 01103 |
| Coordinates | 42°6′8″N 72°35′13″W / 42.10222°N 72.58694°WCoordinates: 42°6′8″N 72°35′13″W / 42.10222°N 72.58694°W |
| Public transit |
Springfield Amtrak PVTA |
| Owner |
City of Springfield (1972–1997) Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (1998–present) |
| Operator | Global Spectrum |
| Capacity | Center Stage: 8,000 Basketball: 7,331 Hockey: 6,800 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | March 18, 1970 |
| Opened | September 5, 1972 |
| Renovated | 2003–2005 |
| Construction cost | $10.3 million ($59 million in 2017 dollars) $71 million (renovation) ($87.1 million in 2017 dollars) |
| Architect |
Catalano Architects Inc. Sasaki Associates (renovation) |
| Tenants | |
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Hartford Whalers (NHL) (1978–1980) Springfield Indians (AHL) (1972–1994) Springfield Falcons (AHL) (1994–2016) Springfield Armor (NBA D-League) (2009–2014) Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) (2016–present) American International College (NCAA) (2016-present) |
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| Website | |
| Venue Website | |
MassMutual Center (formerly Springfield Civic Center) is a multi-purpose arena and convention center located in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, in the city's Metro Center across from Court Square. The facility opened in 1972 and was at that time the largest arena in the region.
It was owned and operated by the City of Springfield and various management groups until 1997, when the city transferred ownership of the facility to the Massachusetts Legislature. Shortly after, ownership was given to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) who in turn began working on plans to renovate and expand the facility. The two-year project, which began in 2003, included renovations to the 8,000 seat arena and the addition of a state-of-the-art convention center. Global Spectrum was chosen by the MCCA to operate the venue for 5 years in 2005 and again in 2010.
In 2005, the venue was renamed when Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company entered into a 15-year naming rights agreement for the arena and convention center. The name change took place on September 29, 2005.
The venue is home to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League and American International College who competes in NCAA Men's Division I Ice Hockey.
In the fall of 2003, the renovation project was publicly announced and demolition of the bank sitting next to the building, along with the facility's plaza and exhibit hall began. In the fall of 2005, the $71 million renovation project was completed. The renovation included a new arena floor with new pipelines for the ice rink and new chillers installed. Upgrades to the buildings electrical system as well as the heating and air conditioning system with a new dehumidification system were also installed. Audio and Video upgrades were made with a new four-sided center hung scoreboard with video display and a new sound system. The project also included a new seating arrangement with 6,455 permanent seats and 222 club seats. New amenities to the arena include a bar and lounge, clubroom, an executive suite, new larger restrooms, and 11 newly refurbished concession stands. The main entrance was relocated from Main Street to Falcons Way where a new box office and lobby were added. The arena was still operational during the two-year project which was funded by city and state tax payers and other state funds.
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