The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds and city officials, is pleased to announce the opening of the new Convention Center Carpark, located adjacent to the MassMutual Center. The carpark is now open for the remainder of the Thunderbirds season, providing additional parking for fans attending games and events at the arena.
The Convention Center Carpark officially opened on Monday, March 31, 2025, offering Thunderbirds fans convenient special event parking. The new facility features 817 parking spaces, including electric vehicle charging stations, and replaces the outdated Civic Center Garage. While construction of the plaza and streetscape portions is still underway and expected to be completed by the end of May, the carpark is fully operational and ready to serve the community for Thunderbirds’ home games and other events at the MassMutual Center.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I want to thank the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for their efforts in making this project a reality. It has been amazing to watch the progress every day and now to see the completed ‘Convention Center Car Park’ structure that transforms the downtown business district. I am deeply appreciative of my city team with Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and DPW Director Chris Cignoli for working hard to make sure this crucial project continued to move forward. I also want to thank the Springfield Parking Authority, our Springfield Police, the team from the Iron Workers Local 7, the Springfield Business Improvement District, and the MassMutual Center team led by GM Sean Dolan for working together to see this project through.”
“Our residents and downtown businesses, especially our Springfield Thunderbirds and the MassMutual Center, are excited and thrilled to see this completed parking facility with hundreds of additional parking spaces for our downtown amenities,” Sarno continued. “We are also excited for the utilization of the multi-use space for retail and other mixed-use venues to enhance our local entertainment and economic development aspects. I think people are going to have a wonderful and enhanced experience down here on Bruce’s Landing, as this project connects our Main Street corridor with other key attractions and restaurants like MGM Springfield, Court Square – which is nearly complete and looking better than ever – and the numerous restaurants and businesses up and down Main Street. I also want to reassure folks that all the ADA parking spaces on Main, Dwight, State and Court will remain status quo until the garage is fully open and throughout the rest of the T-Birds season as they make another run for the Calder Cup Playoffs!”
The entrance to the Thunderbirds games will remain the same as usual for the remainder of the season, offering fans a smooth and familiar experience when attending home games. Special event parking at the MassMutual Center for Thunderbirds games will be $10.
Sean Dolan, General Manager of the MassMutual Center, commented, “We deeply appreciate the significant investment the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has made in Springfield with the new Convention Center Carpark. This facility is a crucial addition for the Springfield Thunderbirds and all events at the MassMutual Center. It will provide much-needed parking convenience for our fans and visitors, enhancing the overall experience for everyone attending events here. This is an exciting development for the MassMutual Center, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life.”
Nathan Costa, President of the Springfield Thunderbirds, added, “The Thunderbirds would like to thank the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the City of Springfield for their partnership in overseeing the completion of the Convention Center Carpark. This long-anticipated project will provide our fans with safe, secure, and convenient parking just steps from the Thunderdome, enhancing the overall game-day experience.”
The Convention Center Carpark is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Springfield’s downtown area, providing more accessible and convenient parking for events, restaurants, and attractions. This new facility will help enhance the experience for Thunderbirds fans and all visitors to the MassMutual Center.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completed carpark will be scheduled once construction is fully finished. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
For the full Thunderbirds schedule, visit Springfield Thunderbirds.
To learn more about the Convention Center Carpark, please visit Springfield Carpark
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About the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA)
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA, the Boston Common Parking Garage, The Lawn On D and The Lot On D. The MCCA's mission is to generate significant regional economic activity by attracting conventions, tradeshows, and other events to its world-class facilities while maximizing the investment return for the residents and businesses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
About the MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center is managed by the entertainment and hospitality industry leader, MGM Springfield, and owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. MassMutual Center is Western Massachusetts’ most diverse function space with over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including a 40,000 sq. ft. flexible exhibit hall, five fully-functional meeting rooms, a 15,000 sq. ft. ballroom, and an 8,000-seat arena. The facility is the proud home to the AHL Springfield Thunderbirds and American International College D1 Men’s Hockey team, in addition to hosting family shows, concerts, meetings, social and corporate functions, sporting events and more.
