Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Chris Cignoli, Police Captain David Martin, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, and Springfield Parking Authority Director Bokul Bhuiya joined with MassMutual Center General Manager Sean Dolan, Springfield Symphony Hall Venue & Events Director Amanda Spear Purchase, Basketball Hall of Fame President John Doleva, and MGM Springfield Director of Public Affairs Beth Ward at City Hall this morning to provide updates and information regarding traffic management for this weekend’s events in downtown Springfield including the opening night game for the Springfield Thunderbirds AHL hockey team on Saturday October 12th, a Sunday afternoon Thunderbirds game at the MassMutual Center, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Enshrinement Ceremony on Sunday October 13th at Springfield Symphony Hall.
Information about street closures, pedestrian movement, available parking areas, and alternate routes was shared to help residents, businesses, and visitors plan ahead. Springfield Police and DPW have already started warning motorists of the expected upcoming delays and pattern changes with traffic message boards. The Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony usually takes place in the summer; but due to the timing of the Summer Olympics this year, it was scheduled for October.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “First of all, I want to thank my dedicated city team and our key local downtown venue stakeholders for their continued efforts in preparing for a great weekend for sports and for our Springfield. While we are working with a limited parking situation with the demolition of the old Civic Center garage, and the brand-new state-of-the-art garage construction underway and near completion; with proper planning and management we are confident that it will be another safe and successful weekend.”
Mayor Sarno explained, “Since the loss of the civic center garage, I have coordinated with the Springfield Parking Authority, the Springfield Police Department and DPW to enhance our SPD Metro Unit traffic and hospitality details at key traffic intersections downtown to help alleviate the traffic congestion for when games start and end. We are also excited to see the 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony once again highlight our City of Springfield. This world-class event will celebrate the careers of some of the best basketball players and coaches in the sport. This is a good problem to have, thousands and thousands of people coming into our downtown Springfield to cheer on our TBirds and witness basketball history being mad, shopping and dining at our many restaurant establishments and businesses. I want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as our brave and dedicated Springfield Police Officers help direct vehicle traffic during these busy hours. This is a temporary inconvenience, one that will be remedy once the new modern parking garage facility is built.”
DPW Director Chris Cignoli stated, “With all of the activities happening in the City of Springfield associated with the Enshrinement and the opening weekend for our Springfield Thunderbirds, the City has developed a traffic control plan that we want to make the public aware of, that will allow all of the visitors to our downtown to navigate our streets and be able to celebrate these major events. With the support of the Springfield Police we anticipate another extremely successful weekend in Downtown Springfield”
Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers stated, “When we have large scale events such as Enshrinement, we want those visiting our city to feel at home and safe. We will have our Metro and Traffic Units out to ensure pedestrian safety and to keep the flow of traffic moving. We ask those attending the Thunderbirds games to leave your home a little early, give yourselves some extra time to arrive at the games and please be patient as these events let out. Our goal is to get everyone to and from these events in a safe, efficient manner and to have those visiting go back home with positive things to say about our city and the professionalism of our police officers.”
Watch coverage of the announcment thanks to our friends at Focus Springfield Community TV
Springfield Thunderbirds | Homepage
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame :: Enshrinement 2024 (hoophall.com)
Springfield Parking Authority - Springfield Parking Authority
Experience Downtown Springfield, MA (springfielddowntown.com)
Event Venue in Springfield, MA | MassMutual Center
MGM Springfield (mgmresorts.com)
Explore Western Mass | Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
