(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) will enter into contract negotiations with Global Spectrum to manage the day-to-day operations of the Springfield Civic Center, which is being renovated and expanded and will open as the MassMutual Center on September 30.
"The Pioneer Valley and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a whole have made a significant investment in the MassMutual Center and when it opens as a state-of-the-art convention center and arena, we want it to have the best chances for success," said James E. Rooney, executive director of the MCCA, which owns and operates the MassMutual Center. "After a lengthy and rigorous review process, we have chosen Global Spectrum because we believe that Global Spectrum is the type of facility-management company that can help us achieve our goal of making the MassMutual Center a top destination for meetings and events. Their experience and background will help Springfield have a seat at the table in the national events marketplace and we look forward to partnering with them."
"This is a great opportunity for Comcast-Spectacor and Global Spectrum to utilize our partnerships with Comcast to show our strengths in the Pioneer Valley." said Comcast-Spectacor President and Global Spectrum Chairman Peter Luukko . "Comcast is a significant provider of cable in the region and a supporter who will help us tremendously grow our audience and help us market our events and attractions at both facilities in the Pioneer Valley."
Global Spectrum will operate all aspects of the facility including events management; general operations; financial management including the operating budget; capital maintenance and improvements; customer service activities, programs and management; and management of all service contracts including security and concessions.
They will also be responsible for handling the marketing of the arena to premiere concerts and events and will be working in partnership with the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau to market the facility to conventions, trade shows and corporate meetings.
"We are very excited to be to working with Jim Rooney and the MCCA and we look forward to the opportunity. We are also anxious to begin working with the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau in attracting conventions, trade shows, meetings and conferences to Springfield," said Global Spectrum President Michel Sauers. "We will be able to use the synergies of one of our other facilities-the Mullins Center-to create new and exciting opportunities and experiences for the residents of the Pioneer Valley."
The Springfield Civic Center construction project broke ground in October 2003. The $71 million project includes approximately 147,000 square feet of new building for convention, exhibition and meeting space and the renovation of approximately 215,000 square feet of the existing facility. When completed, the facility will include a 40,000 square foot exhibit hall, 9,000 square feet of meeting space, a 15,000 square foot ballroom, 15,000 square feet of pre-function space, and corporate hospitality and support spaces. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
