Sports planners out East often plan their events bearing many factors in mind. As always, cost is a factor, but so are the time of year, facility space and the various accommodations that their teams need. Those who choose to host their next tournament in Springfield, however, will have no trouble finding the right space and surrounding attractions to keep athletes and their families happy. With the help of the Greater Springfield CVB and Western Massachusetts Sports Commission, every planner is well-equipped to organize and execute any kind of competition, whether it’s at the novice or professional level.
In addition to boasting several state-of-the-art facilities, Springfield is the perfect place to embark on historic adventures and partake in local activities, from museum hopping to shopping and skiing.
Notable Recent/Upcoming Events
- Northeast Miracle League Tournament (September 7-8, 2019)
- Equine Affaire (November 7-10, 2019)
- International Volleyball Hall of Fame Enshrinement (November 2019)
- Spalding Hoop Hall Classic (January, 16-20, 2020)
- Red Sox Winter Weekend (January 17-19, 2020)
- Hooplandia 3v3 Basketball Tournament (June 26-28, 2020)
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement (September 11, 2020)
CVB/Sports Commissions Services Offered
- Volunteer Staff
- PR/Media Assistance
- Signage
- Site Visits
- Transportation Assistance
- Lodging Services
- Grant Programs
- Welcome Bags/Gifts
- Itinerary Development
- Event Planning Assistance
Click on tab to see more information about a specific facility
Things to do in Springfield
Springfield’s prime sports facilities are coupled with an impressive selection of lodging options. Planners, athletes and families can choose from over 10 hotels, including the MGM Springfield Hotel, TowerSquare Hotel (becoming Marriott Springfield in 2020), Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Springfield, Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield Downtown, the Holiday Inn Express Springfield Downtown and more.
Luckily for every planner and competitor, there’s a lot to do while staying in Springfield. Visitors should look into visiting Six Flags New England for a day of fun on the roller coasters, as well as Springfield’s popular museums. The Springfield Museums, for example, allow visitors to access science, history and art museums–five in total—with just one ticket. At the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, kids can get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their favorite classics. Visitors will also enjoy Yankee Candle Village, perfect for picking up scented gifts and special souvenirs. The Basketball Hall of Fame pays tribute to past players and inspires budding professionals. Feeling lucky? Visit the brand-new MGM Springfield casino for world-class gaming and entertainment in the heart of downtown Springfield.
Planner Perspective
The WMSC provided the MAAC with a small town atmosphere with big city amenities.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference: Rich Ensor (Commissioner)
The quality venues, community support and attractions in the area have made the Bay State Games one of the largest and most respected events in the country.
Bay State Games: Kevin Cummings (Executive Director)
The WMSC really helped us take our event to the next level. They really made our competition special and unique.
Daggett Gymnastics & Olympic Gold Medalist: Tim Daggett
How to Get to Springfield
Located at the center of New England in the Pioneer Valley, Springfield houses diverse landscapes, beautiful hotels and a sizable number of college campuses, all of which are conveniently less than 20 miles away from Bradley International Airport.
By Car: Whether by car or bus, most visitors are able to reach Springfield at the intersection of I-90 and I-91.
By Train: Amtrak services are available to anyone who wishes to visit Springfield and Massachusetts’s other major cities, including Boston, Worcester and Cambridge.
By Air: Springfield is most easily accessed from the Bradley International Airport, just 18 miles away. Visitors have to option to fly with Aer Lingus, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit and United Airlines.
Contact Information
Company Name: Western Mass Sports Commission
Sports Sales Manager: Alicia Szenda
Title: Director of Sales
Telephone: 413-755-1346