Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds, proud AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, are pleased to announce the team’s promotional schedule for the 2017-18 season presented by MGM Springfield. Building upon the excitement created in the team’s inaugural season game night experience, the Thunderbirds will unveil new promotions and special offers while maintaining traditions born the year before.

 

“We are excited to take the game night experience a step further this season for our loyal fans,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “We had an amazing inaugural season, and we will only be raising the bar for our second season. Stay tuned for some more announcements regarding new promotions that are sure to blow our fans away.”

 

In addition to the exciting events on the 2017-18 promotional schedule, the Thunderbirds and the Springfield Parking Authority will again offer free parking exclusively at the Civic Center Garage on a first-come, first-served basis on game nights throughout the season.

 

 

For a second straight season, the Thunderbirds are pleased to unveil a special Friday night offer at the MassMutual Center. On every 3-2-1 Friday night this season, fans can enjoy new and improved deals on concessions. From the time of doors opening and carrying through the end of the first period, fans can purchase select $3 Coors Light drafts, $2 hot dogs, and $1 sodas. Thunderbirds ticket members will also be able to get these great drink specials at every game this season with the new refillable collector’s mug, which comes with every ticket purchase of a full season and 22-game membership.

 

Also on all Friday game nights, the Thunderbirds will once again be showcasing the MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series. Local artists of Springfield and the Pioneer Valley will be spotlighted on the main concourse of the MassMutual Center each Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET.

 

“Thanks to the cooperation between our organization, MGM Springfield and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, we have no doubt that through these new and unique offerings, fans attending Thunderbirds’ games this season will be able to take advantage of extraordinary value,” added Costa.

 

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Springfield Thunderbirds 2017-18 Season – At A Glance

Marvel™ & Hometown Superheroes Night Presented by United Bank
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Sat., Jan. 27, 7:05 p.m. ET)

Not all heroes wear capes, but all heroes will be recognized for Marvel™ & Hometown Superheroes Night. Iron Man™ and Spiderman™ will be among the heroes present, but so too will be the Pioneer Valley’s everyday heroes. Springfield police, fire, and first responders will receive their much-deserved praise and appreciation, complete with appearances by emergency vehicles of the respective departments.

David Ortiz Bobblehead Giveaway Presented by MassLive (Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Sat., Feb. 17, 7:05 p.m. ET) 

In recognition of "Big Papi" David Ortiz's appearance in Springfield this past November, fans arriving early on Saturday, Feb. 17 will receive a special edition, Thunderbirds themed David Ortiz bobblehead, compliments of MassLive. 

Military Appreciation Night Presented by Big Y
(Thunderbirds vs. Charlotte Checkers, Sat., March 3, 7:05 p.m. ET)

In continued support and celebration of Western Massachusetts’ strong military connection with the Thunderbirds, the team will dedicate a night to the servicemen and women who put their country as a top priority. Special offers for military personnel will be made available for this night, separate from the military pricing available at every home game this season.

Pink in the Rink Presented by Baystate Health to benefit Rays of Hope
(Thunderbirds vs. Utica Comets, Sat., March 10, 7;05 p.m. ET)

An annual tradition was born in Thunderbirds hockey last season with the first ever Pink in the Rink night. After a sellout crowd witnessed a resounding win in the first installment, breast cancer survivors will once again be the biggest warriors on the ice during a poignant pregame ceremony. The Thunderbirds will sport a specialty pink jersey and skate on pink ice as a show of support to those who have battled the disease. Jerseys will be auctioned post-game, with proceeds benefiting the Rays of Hope Foundation in conjunction with Baystate Health.

Pucks N’ Paws
(Thunderbirds vs. Utica Comets, Sat., March 31, 7:05 p.m. ET)

In March of 2016, the Thunderbirds encouraged dog owners to bring their pets to the game for the first time in Springfield hockey history. Pucks N’ Paws will make its comeback to the MassMutual Center exactly a year later. Fans will be able to purchase “dog tickets” to bring their four-legged friends into the game. Dogs and owners will be placed in a special dog section for the evening.

Boomer Bobblehead Presented by Stop & Shop / Fan Appreciation Weekend
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Sat., April 14, 7:05 p.m. ET)

As part of Fan Appreciation Weekend, the Thunderbirds will close their regular season with the second installment of the Boomer Bobblehead, compliments of Stop N’ Shop. Prior to the regular season finale, much like Opening Night, a block party will be part of the closing ceremonies prior to puck drop for the Thunderbirds against the Providence Bruins.

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Winning Weekdays
(All Monday through Thursday games: Weds., Nov. 8, Weds., Nov. 15, Mon., Jan. 15, Weds., Jan. 17, Weds., Feb. 7)

The Thunderbirds’ five weekday games will provide fans with extra incentives to cheer the team to victory on Winning Weekdays. Should the Thunderbirds win on a weekday, any fan who had a ticket to the winning game will receive a free ticket to a subsequent game on the Thunderbirds schedule.

• Win on Weds., Nov. 8 = Complimentary Ticket to game Sun., Nov. 12
• Win on Weds., Nov. 15 = Complimentary Ticket to game Sun., Nov. 26
• Win on Mon., Jan. 15 = Complimentary Ticket to game Weds., Jan. 17
• Win on Weds., Jan. 17 = Complimentary Ticket to game Weds., Feb. 7
• Win on Weds., Feb. 7 = Complimentary Ticket to game Fri., Feb. 16

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Springfield Thunderbirds 2017-18 Promotional Schedule Highlights