Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds are excited to welcome fans and the local Springfield media out to a public gathering on Tuesday, Sept. 13 as part of the T-Birds Town Hall at Uno Pizzeria & Grill (820 W Columbus Ave, Springfield).

The program will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET in the outside patio area, where the Thunderbirds will continue to usher in the next era of professional hockey in Springfield. For the first time since the team’s inception earlier this year, the Thunderbirds will reveal their home and road jersey designs to the public, as well as the franchise’s mascot. The mascot’s name will also be announced following its introduction to the community.

On the night already filled with team firsts, it will also be Springfield fans’ first in-person opportunity to meet Thunderbirds head coach Geordie Kinnear, who is expected to be in attendance. In addition to the jersey design and mascot unveiling, the Thunderbirds will also be holding an open forum for fans to engage and interact with Kinnear and Executive Vice President Nathan Costa.

“Since our launch just a short time ago, we have heard from so many of our loyal fans and supporters, and it was important to us to provide a first-look at our new jersey designs and mascot unveiling,” said Costa. “The response from the community has been fantastic, and our Town Hall forum will provide fans in attendance the opportunity to interact in an informal setting with our staff and new head coach Geordie Kinnear.”

Prior to Tuesday’s event, fans are urged to contribute their suggestions for the name of the official Thunderbirds mascot through the “Name the Mascot” submission form at the newly launched www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com. Of the people who chose the winning name, one lucky fan’s submission will be selected to win four tickets to the Thunderbirds’ Opening Night game on Saturday, Oct. 22, as well as the opportunity to take part in the High Five Tunnel. “Name the Mascot” submissions will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 9.

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.

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Season 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.