The Springfield Thunderbirds have announced their 2024-25 season promotional schedule. They will bring back several mainstay events while introducing new possibilities that should entice fans to the MassMutual Center all season.
The Thunderbirds are scheduled to open their season at home against the Laval Rocket on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:05 p.m. Before this rematch of the 2022 Eastern Conference Championship, fans are welcome to attend the annual season-opener block party at MGM’s Plaza between 4 and 6 p.m.
The event will feature live music, food, and drinks. The team also anticipates an impressive ninth consecutive season-opening sellout and 15th straight sellout dating back to last season. Fans are also asked to locate their seats for opening-night festivities at 6:45 p.m.
In addition to special promotional nights, attending fans can expect to see five specialty jerseys corresponding to the team’s traditional theme nights: Teddy Bear Toss Night, Throwback Night, Ice-O-Topes Night, Military Appreciation Night, and Pink in the Rink.
- Fans can view the full Springfield Thunderbirds schedule here. In addition, single-game tickets for the Thunderbirds’ regular-season games are available at SpringfieldThunderbirds.com or at the box office at (413) 739-GOAL.
Below is a list of those noteworthy themes and appearances:
Bruins’ Anthemist Todd Angilly will sing and bartend to benefit Square One
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:05 p.m. ET)
The unmistakable voice of TD Garden, Todd Angilly, will add a piece of the Bruins’ flair to the Thunderbirds’ first matchup against their rivals from Providence on Saturday, Oct. 19. Angilly will sing the Star-Spangled Banner before showing off his other talents in the Breakaway Lounge as a celebrity bartender for the night.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Square One.
Boos & Brews Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Hershey Bears, Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Who else is here for the boos and ahhh’s?
This spooktacular night will return under a new name. Fans 21 and older can enjoy a pregame beer tasting from various local and national craft breweries on the MassMutual Center concourse, presented by Loophole Brewing and Easy Company Brewing. More information on a unique giveaway item related to the tasting event will be announced as the event approaches.
Boomer for President Bobblehead Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Everyone’s favorite mascot is on the Thunderdome ballot on Saturday, Nov. 2, as the Thunderbirds host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The first 2,500 fans attending the MassMutual Center will receive a Boomer presidential bobblehead. The event will be hosted by MassLive.
Pucks & Paws Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Friday, Nov. 15, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Two minutes for ruffing – we see no penalty there!
Bring your four-legged friends for this pawesome atmosphere inside the Thunderdome. All fans bringing their pups will also feel the love from their pets, and the good boys and girls will receive a dog toy giveaway. A portion of each dog ticket purchased that evening will benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals.
Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Charlotte Checkers, Friday, Nov. 22, 7:05 p.m. ET)
The Thunderbirds will again partner with Rock 102 for the annual Mayflower Marathon food drive at MGM Springfield. Bax and Nagle from Rock 102 will attend as stars for the evening as the Springfield community aims to set a new record in generosity.
All non-perishable food donations will go directly to Springfield’s Open Pantry. Performance Foodservice of Springfield is sponsoring the giveaway, which will also give the first 3,000 fans to attend a Thunderbirds goalie glove oven mitt.
Hockey Fights Cancer Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, Saturday, Nov. 30, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Hockey Fights Cancer returns to the Thunderdome as we join the fight against cancer. With many activations throughout the night, many Springfield-area cancer charities will benefit from donations, auctions, and more. So please come out and tell us who you fight for, and know that you are not alone in this courageous battle.
Teddy Bear Toss Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Rockford IceHogs, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:05 p.m. ET)
An eighth consecutive storm of stuffed animals awaits on the first Saturday in December as the Thunderbirds invite fans to bring new stuffed animals into the MassMutual Center for the annual Teddy Bear Toss.
When the hosts light the lamp with their first goal of the night, fans can throw the bears and other stuffed animals onto the ice for collection and donation to youth in the greater Springfield area before the holiday season. For the second straight year, the night will also feature a holiday-inspired jersey you will want as part of your collection.
The first 2,500 fans through the door that night will receive an adult-sized jersey giveaway inspired by our specialty jersey, courtesy of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas.
Ring in the New Year Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Hartford Wolf Pack, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 3:05 p.m. ET)
Come celebrate the New Year at the Thunderdome. The first 3,000 fans will receive a unique Thunderbirds commemorative cowbell. Not only are we ringing in the New Year, but we’re also “dinking” it in.
Interested pickleball players of all ages can come down for open-court play at the MassMutual Center Exhibition Hall before the I-91 rivalry concludes the calendar year. Participants will also receive a Thunderbirds paddle, courtesy of Joola Pickleball.
Everyone gets ‘Lei’d’ to kick off 2025
(Thunderbirds vs. Rochester Americans, Friday, Jan. 3, 7:05 p.m. ET)
January means we’re halfway to summer, right? Though it might be wintertime in New England, Springfield will become a tropical paradise for the MGM Springfield pregame concert series inside the MassMutual Center.
The premier Jimmy Buffet tribute band, Changes in Latitude, will perform. All fans in attendance will receive a Hawaiian lei.
Throwback Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, Jan. 11, 7:05 p.m. ET)
The Thunderbirds are throwing it back a generation – or two – when they compete against the Providence Bruins on Saturday, Jan. 11. But fans will have to wait to see which iteration of Springfield hockey’s past we reminisce about. As usual, the night will also feature elements of the past throughout the game presentation and in-arena atmosphere.
The first 4,000 fans will also take home a vintage Springfield hockey pennant.
Hometown Heroes Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:05 p.m. ET)
This city’s everyday heroes will be celebrated as the Thunderbirds honor emergency personnel from police, fire, and EMT services. Among the night’s highlights is the intermission parade of emergency vehicles with full lights and sirens symbolic of their crucial role in our region.
Springfield Ice-O-Topes Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, Feb. 8, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Springfield’s favorite family is once again the impetus for this yearly hit, as the Thunderbirds take on their alter-ego with the fifth installment of Springfield Ice-O-Topes Night. Join the fun as the ‘Topes look to remain unbeaten with their cartoon moniker.
Military Appreciation Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Saturday, Feb. 22, 7:05 p.m. ET)
Springfield’s annual salute to active and veteran military personnel is set for Feb. 22. For a fourth consecutive season, an Air Force Thunderbird-inspired sweater will be worn, the last in the four-year series. Portions of jersey auction funds will benefit local military charities.
The first 3,000 fans will take home unique Thunderbirds aviator sunglasses.
Pink in the Rink Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Saturday, March 8, 7:05 p.m. ET)
One of the most memorable nights of the season annually, Pink in the Rink returns for a ninth installment. The Thunderbirds will honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors and their families during this powerful evening. The ice and the team jerseys will go pink for the evening.
Jersey auction proceeds will stay local and benefit the Rays of Hope Foundation.
Cash in w/ Hugh ‘Cha-Ching’ McGing Bobblehead Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Syracuse Crunch, Saturday, March 15, 7:05 p.m. ET)
One of the longest-tenured Thunderbirds will receive his own bobblehead on March 15. Veteran winger Hugh McGing’s “Cha-Ching” attitude will be brought to life for the first 3,000 fans to enter the MassMutual Center. It marks the second time in team history that a current player is immortalized in collectible form, as he will now join Joel Hofer.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
(Thunderbirds vs. Providence Bruins, Sunday, March 16, 3:05 p.m. ET)
Fans with sensitivities to light and sound will be able to experience a toned-down Thunderbirds hockey experience for the fifth annual Sensory Friendly Sunday, presented by CHD. This inclusive environment will be catered to make the game more enjoyable for young fans who may otherwise be unable to come to a Thunderbirds game.
The team will partner with Springfield College’s Occupational Therapy students to provide assistance and cool-down stations for those who need a break from the action.
Fan Appreciation Night
(Thunderbirds vs. Charlotte Checkers, Saturday, April 19, 7:05 p.m. ET)
The regular season will end grandly once again as the Thunderbirds host their year-end block party presented by Community Bank N.A. It will feature live music, food, and drinks, with support from the Springfield BID. The action will then shift inside the Thunderdome for the regular season’s final Thunderbirds vs. Bruins matchup.
Fans are then invited to come down rinkside after the game to paint the ice as we bid farewell to another memorable year. A select number of lucky fans will also have the chance to win jerseys off the players’ backs.
