Traffic Congestion expected downtown this weekend: Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement and Ride to Remember

– Saturday, September 6, 2025–

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and City of Springfield Department of Public Works (DPW) Director have shared that traffic congestion is expected in the city this weekend. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the City of Springfield will be hosting two large-scale events downtown that will have an impact on traffic and parking.

Springfield DPW has shared timelines for these events and alerted motorists to expect traffic and parking congestion. They have also provided detailed road closure and traffic management plans. Please see below. 

1. The Ride to Remember event will have 400-500 riders and will kick off at 8:00 am from Boland Way in downtown Springfield. The ride will wind its way through the City that will include stops at the Police Station on Pearl Street, the Beauregard / Schiavina Memorial at Mary Lynch School, and Hillcrest Park Cemetary, then though East Longmeadow and eventually to Riverfront Park in Hartford, CT.   The riders will return to the City of Springfield at roughly 4:00 pm at Tower Square.
2. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will begin roughly at 6:00 pm with a red carpet walk from Tower Square, along East Columbus Ave, then to Symphony Hall.   The Enshrinement event at Symphony Hall will begin at 7:00 and will run through 9:30 pm.

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 our Springfield. The excitement of the annual Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony with legendary NBA and WNBA greats making their way to our Springfield, the birthplace of basketball, as well as the strong support for the annual law enforcement Ride to Remember spearheaded by retired Police Sgt. John Delaney, and other things going on too like the annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival, Glendi Greek Festival, Sheriff’s Shuffle and more. With proper planning and management, we are confident that it will be another safe and successful weekend. Thank you to all for your patience and cooperation.