MGM partners with Springfield Falcons

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - MGM Resorts has announced a partnership with the Springfield Falcons for upcoming season.

This corporate sponsorship just adds to the list of MGM's investment in Springfield. Last month they donated $50,000 to the South End Community Center, and MGM also made a $15,000 donation to the city's 4th of July celebration.

The Springfield Falcons have added a new corporate sponsor this season. MGM Resorts has announced plans to partner with the team, which plays at the Mass mutual Center right in the neighborhood MGM wants to build  a casino.

“We like the family nature, we like the attendance, we like the programming. Obviously we're going to bring new programming, but to support the team that's there now, we felt that was a great way to show the kinds of things we plan on doing if we're granted the license going forward,” said MGM Springfield president Bill Hornbuckle.

The new partnership isn't the only reason the Falcons are smiling. The National Hockey League announced Thursday the cancellation of 82 games through October 24th, after NHL owners and players failed to come to an agreement.

“It puts the spotlight on our league. Our league is always a tremendous league and we're stronger because of the players who have filtered down from the NHL teams down to various American hockey league teams,” said Falcons president Bruce Landon.

Stronger players on the ice, means more people in the stands and more business downtown.

“A lot of our crowd is dependent on the Springfield Falcons. Being so close to the Mass Mutual Center, we are one of the first and last stops before and after games,” said JT’s Sports Pub manager Keith Makarowski.

The lockout has already cost the NHL $100 million dollars in preseason games, but here in Springfield the Falcons are counting on a better than average season with more visitors downtown.