Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, have announced the team’s promotional schedule for the latter portion of the 2016-17 season presented by MGM Springfield. An emphasis will continue to be placed on the game night experience, with live entertainment options, special theme nights and collectible items for Thunderbirds fans throughout the franchise’s inaugural season.

The Thunderbirds will host a wide array of special first-time promotions for the franchise, including the 1st Annual Pink in the Rink night to benefit Rays of Hope on March 11, and a pair of bobblehead giveaways for Bruce Landon Legacy Night on March 3 and Boomer’s Birthday Bash on April 1.

“We have been very pleased with the response and support of the Greater Springfield community through the first three months of the season; the fans have come out in full force,” said Thunderbirds Executive Vice President Nathan Costa. “We are very excited to announce our plans for the rest of the 2016-17 season, which are filled with theme nights, promotions and entertainment that will help add to the environment we are creating at the MassMutual Center, and hopefully this will start traditions for many years to come.” 

 

Parking remains free at the Civic Center garage on a first-come, first-served basis at each Thunderbirds game upon presentation of a Springfield Thunderbirds game ticket.

 

Pink in the Rink to Benefit Rays of Hope Presented by Baystate Health & Health New England
Thunderbirds vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, Saturday, March 11, 7:05 p.m. ET

The Thunderbirds will play host to their first annual “Pink in the Rink” on Saturday, March 11 as Springfield hosts Hartford. For the first time in team history, the Thunderbirds will wear specialty jerseys for the evening while playing on a pink ice surface in recognition of breast cancer awareness.

Following the conclusion of the game, the specialty jerseys can be purchased during a live post-game auction, with funds benefiting Rays of Hope. The special night is proudly presented by Baystate Health and Health New England.

 

“We envision Pink in the Rink as one of our signature nights, an opportunity for us to bring awareness to a cause (Breast Cancer) that affects so many,” said Costa. “We are strategically having this night in March to create a very unique experience, where we can help provide awareness and resources for our partner, the Rays of Hope, Baystate Health, and Health New England during a time of the year where the cause may not be at the top of everyone’s mind. I hope to start a tradition here in Springfield where this night is one that people circle on the schedule as a can’t-miss game, not only for the great cause it will be benefiting but for the entire experience.” 

Pucks N’ Paws Night presented by Dave's Soda & Pet City
Thunderbirds vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Friday, March 31, 7:05 p.m. ET

Another first-time occurrence in the history of Springfield hockey, fans will have the opportunity to bring their four-legged friends into the MassMutual Center on March 31 as part of Pucks N’ Paws Night presented by Dave's Soda & Pet City.

Dog tickets available for the night will have proceeds donated to Springfield-based animal charities.

Boomer’s Birthday Bash Presented by Stop & Shop
Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, April 1, 7:05 p.m. ET

In recognition of the Thunderbirds’ first season in the AHL, the franchise will celebrate their beloved mascot’s first birthday as part of Boomer’s Birthday Bash Presented by Stop & Shop. While supplies last, fans will receive a special edition bobblehead depicting Springfield’s favorite bird.  

Fan Appreciation Weekend Presented by MGM Springfield
Thunderbirds vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Friday, April 14, 7:05 p.m. ET & Thunderbirds vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, Saturday, April 15, 7:05 p.m. ET

The Thunderbirds will wrap up their inaugural regular season by saying thanks to the passionate hockey fans of Western Massachusetts. Presented by MGM Springfield, the final two home games of the season on back-to-back nights on April 14-15 will feature the final $1 Night and MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series show of the season on Friday, followed by a season finale filled with prizes, contests, and family fun throughout the MassMutual Center.

 

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Additionally, the Thunderbirds are pleased to continue profiling Friday and Sunday nights with popular promotions that will carry over from the season’s opening three months.

$1 Fridays & MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series
One of the main attractions for Thunderbirds games this season will continue to be $1 Fridays. For all Friday night games, special concession offers remain in place in the form of $1 hot dogs, $1 sodas, and $1 popcorn, which are available from the time of doors’ opening through the start of the second period of game action.

Live entertainment will also remain part of the Friday spectacle at the MassMutual Center, as the Thunderbirds proudly present the MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series. Local artists of Springfield and the Pioneer Valley will be showcased on the main concourse of the MassMutual Center for each of the Thunderbirds’ eight Friday night games from Jan. 7 through April 15.

Sundae Fundays Presented by Friendly’s
All Sunday afternoon games, 3:05 p.m. ET: Jan. 22, March 12, March 19

Sunday afternoon games at the MassMutual Center will continue to present families with a special value offer courtesy of Friendly’s Sundae Fundays.

A family of four will have the ability to purchase four tickets with food additions (four hot dogs, four small popcorns, four sodas) as part of the Family Four Pack. Four packs will be available for $44 in the Defense zone (sections 28-31, 1-5), $55 in the Attack zone (sections 13-20), and $66 in the Center Value area (sections 6-7, 11-12, 21-22, 26-27). Additionally, fans purchasing the family packs on Sundae Funday will receive four Friendly’s Ice Cream Sundae coupons, redeemable at participating Friendly’s restaurants.

The Sundae Funday packs will be available for purchase up to 24 hours before Sunday game times at the MassMutual Center.

Winning Weekdays
All Monday through Thursday weekday games, debuting Weds., Jan. 4, 7:05 p.m. ET
The Thunderbirds’ five weekday games will provide fans with extra incentives to cheer the team to victory on what will be coined 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 the following weekday game on the Thunderbirds schedule.

The full 2017 Promotional Schedule can be seen below. Please note promotional nights listed below are subject to change. 

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Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.