Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds, in cooperation with the Springfield Parking Authority, Springfield Business Improvement District, and City of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, are pleased to announce that parking in the Civic Center garage, adjacent to the MassMutual Center, will be free to Thunderbirds ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.

Mayor Sarno stated, “This economic development initiative continues our public and private partnership to enhance our downtown venues. I commend Interim Executive Director Atty. Tom Moore, the SPA Board of Directors and the local ownership group of our Springfield Thunderbirds for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield. Now, free parking, a clean and safe environment, great professional hockey and affordable family fun – no more excuses – ‘let’s pack the house!’”

The two-year agreement will give fans the ability to park at the Civic Center garage for free on a first-come, first-served basis at each Thunderbirds game upon presentation of a Springfield Thunderbirds game ticket. The Civic Center garage will be free for parkers from one hour before game time until one hour after the game’s conclusion. Free parking will be available only at the Civic Center structure and only until the garage’s full capacity is reached. The agreement solidifies the Thunderbirds’ partnership with the Springfield Parking Authority (SPA).

“The Springfield Parking Authority is happy to partner with the Thunderbirds to make sure our hockey fans have the best experience possible when coming downtown to enjoy games. I thank Mayor Sarno and his administration for their commitment in helping us accomplish this exciting collaboration,” said SPA Interim Executive Director, Attorney Thomas D. Moore.

“We’re excited to have free parking this season at the Civic Center garage, as it is another major piece to improving the game day experience in Springfield for all of our fans. We are happy to have this as another way we can make games affordable and fun entertainment for the entire family,” said Thunderbirds Executive Vice President Nathan Costa. “The Thunderbirds would like to thank Mayor Sarno and the Springfield Parking Authority for working cooperatively with our organization to make this a reality.”

The free parking agreement at the Civic Center garage is part of the continuing Springfield Business Improvement District (BID) commitment to enlivening Main Street while activating Springfield’s downtown core.

“We are pleased by the announcement that downtown guests will be able park at the Civic Center garage at no cost for the Thunderbirds games,” said Springfield BID Executive Director Chris Russell. “We hope people are encouraged to come down early and enjoy dinner at one of the downtown restaurants before the games.” 

The Thunderbirds begin the next era of professional hockey in Springfield on Saturday, Oct. 22 against the St. John’s Ice Caps. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. ET at the MassMutual Center. Fans can also see the Thunderbirds in action for pre-season matchups on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-8, at the MassMutual Center. Single game ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.