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AUGUST 6, 2026 | FREE
State awards $93M for MassMutual Center upgrades By Dennis Hackett
dhackett@thereminder.com
EDITION AGAWAM
ACAA brings two exhibits to Agawam The nonprofit Agawam Artists and Artisans have staged an exhibit at Cooper’s Commons.
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Ashley and Fausey school consolidation project continues The town is on to the next step for the consolidation of two schools.
investment in Western Mass. “Their attentiveness to Western Massachusetts and Springfield here in the Pioneer Valley is really unmatched. Whether it’s a phone call, a visit or advocacy, you can always count on Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll,” he said. Neal talked about the historical significance of Court Square and continued investment in the MassMutual Center, calling it “Springfield’s front yard.”
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investments in Springfield and in this area,” Healey said. Interim MCCA Executive Director John Barros said this was the largest investment to the MassMutual Center ever. The facility previously received $65 million for improvements in 2005 and $65 million for the carpark and Landing in 2024. “It is exciting to be here to celebrate the one-time largest commitment to this facility,” he said. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal praised Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s
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Gov. Maura Healey dons a Springfield Thunderbirds jersey and poses for a photo with Boomer as businessman Paul Picknelly talks about the $93 million coming to the MassMutual Center.
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SPRINGFIELD — On July 30, local and state officials announced a $93 million investment for the MassMutual Center. Gov. Maura Healey explained that the money, which is coming through a new partnership between Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Springfield Thunderbirds, will be implemented over the next five years with planned improvements for a modernized fire alarm, sprinkler and ventilation systems; Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades; improved wayfinding and digital signage; concession and food service enhancements; a new scoreboard and additional rigging infrastructure; and other operational and infrastructure improvements. “Over the next five years, we’ll see $93 million to modernize this facility, to make sure that this center is competitive for decades to come,” Healey said. “These are smart investments, they’re smart investments for the MassMutual Central, they’re smart investments for Springfield, they’re smart investments for Massachusetts.” Healey added that the improvements also include a new jumbotron. Mayor Domenic Sarno said the investment would drive more people downtown. “A $93 million investment, which is going to help with the physical plan, the arena, infrastructure, the fan experience will be much, much better, and you can’t put a price tag on that,” he said. “When people are feeling
good, and you keep it vibrant, clean and safe, they like to spend money in your places, and that is music to my ears.” Sarno reflected on how attendance at Thunderbirds games has grown over the time that he has had season tickets. “I’ve been a season ticket holder for well over 20 years or more. I remember the days when we used to maybe draw 2,500 people, 3,000 people here for a game. The T-Birds are drawing over 6,200 fans every game, 20 sellouts, they made a run for the conference final this past year, downtown was electric,” Sarno said. Healey said the investment was going to create a “fantastic family experience” at the arena. “Today is about investing in Western Massachusetts, and it’s about investing in one of our state’s most important civic and economic assets,” she said. “The MassMutual Center is more than an arena, it’s where families gather to cheer on the Thunderbirds, it’s where conventions and conferences, and concerts and events take place, which bring in folks from around the region.” Healey said that the investment would “supercharge” an economic engine in Springfield and that it highlights the importance of supporting Western Massachusetts. “We believe that every region in Massachusetts deserves investments that create opportunities, strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Springfield, the heart of Western Mass., is so critical to our state’s success … And that’s why we’ve made an effort in continuing to make
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