SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team and MGM Springfield will be continuing their partnership for five more seasons. MGM has been the Thunderbirds' Presenting Partner since June 2016. Springfield Thunderbirds announce 2024-25 season schedule, home opener As part of the partnership, MGM will be sponsoring the T-Bird’s Friday Pregame Concert Series, Deuces Wild Friday concession specials, and the season-opening and season-ending block parties. Additionally, hockey fans have been able to use the MGM parking garage for free while a new parking garage is under construction across from the MassMutual Center. The collaboration between the two has helped with bringing more business into downtown Springfield. According to a news release from the Thunderbirds organization, the team has contributed $126 million in economic impact to the city since 2016. The 2023-24 Thunderbirds season broke previous attendance records with a 6,321 per-game average and 20 sellouts, including 14 consecutive to conclude the season. "MGM Springfield has been a crucial partner for the Thunderbirds throughout our existence, dating back even before we took the ice for the first time in 2016," said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. "As organizations, the T-Birds and MGM share so many synergies. Together, we have seen firsthand how impactful this collaboration has been for the city of Springfield, whether it be in putting on first-class events like the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic or partnering for charitable causes like the Mayflower Marathon. They share in our core value of being a pillar of the downtown Springfield community, and this partnership extension ensures the continuation of that commitment." “I cannot overstate the role that MGM played in saving AHL hockey in Springfield,” said Thunderbirds Managing Partner Paul Picknelly. ”From Day One, they have shown an unparalleled commitment to the T-Birds organization, and this partnership extension will help ensure the continued success of our franchise for many years to come.” "We are thrilled to continue our partnership as the Presenting Sponsor of the Springfield Thunderbirds for another five years! That partnership began in 2016 when MGM Springfield stepped in to support and help save professional hockey in the city," said MGM Springfield President & COO Louis Theros. "Since then, we have seen year-over-year attendance growth resulting in record breaking attendance last season. We know how critical the Thunderbirds are to the city, the region, and to the continued renaissance of downtown Springfield. This season promises to be even more exciting, and MGM Springfield will be in the Thunderdome every step of the way! Go T-Birds!” “Very good and solid news on MGM Springfield extending its contract to support our beloved T-Birds by five years," said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "We’ve hit the jackpot with both entities. Thank you, MGM Springfield and our Springfield Thunderbirds, for your continued belief and investment in our Springfield.”  Local News Headlines Suicide Prevention and Veteran Mental Health Summit being held in Northampton Looking to go solar? Be wary of fraudulent offers Winning ‘Lucky for Life’ lottery ticket sold in West Springfield Thunderbirds, MGM Springfield agree to extend partnership WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.