MassMutual Center – Things To Do With Your Team

As one of Western Massachusetts’ premier venues, the MassMutual Center is exceptionally well-suited to host the next event that your team will be attending. The MassMutual Center consists of both an 8,000-seat multipurpose arena and a 100,000-square-foot convention center.

The arena underwent a renovation project that took place from 2003 to 2005. The renovation included a new arena floor as well as new pipelines and chillers for the ice rink. Upgrades to the area’s electrical system, air conditioning system, and dehumidification were also installed. In addition to these extensive upgrades and many others, the renovation project also included the construction of the MassMutual Center’s state-of-the-art convention center.

At 100,000 square feet, it is the largest convention center in Western Massachusetts. It features two exhibit halls that total over 40,000 square feet; three ballrooms; five meeting rooms; and 21,000 square feet of pre-function space that boasts panoramic views of the Springfield, Massachusetts skyline.

Since it’s located in Springfield’s downtown, a visit to the MassMutual Center will put you and your team right in the heart of the city. While there, you’ll be just minutes away from some of the city’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Things to Do

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

When it comes to Dr. Seuss books, everyone’s got their favorite. Whether you’re a fan of Horton Hears a Who!, The Lorax, The Cat in the Hat, or one of his many other classic stories, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is sure to spark some great memories as you make new ones with your team.

The first floor of the museum features family-friendly, interactive exhibits that trace Dr. Seuss’ Springfield roots and give young visitors the chance to experiment with new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, and invent whimsical stories of their own.

The second floor, personally curated by Dr. Seuss’ two stepdaughters and great nephew, is an authentic recreation of the author’s studio and living room.

Because The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is one of Springfield’s most popular attractions, groups of ten or more visitors must schedule their visit at least four weeks in advance. 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden

Maybe you can’t squeeze a visit to The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum into your team’s jam-packed schedule. Maybe you didn’t get the chance to schedule your visit to the museum ahead of time. Either way, you and your team certainly aren’t out of luck!

You can still get your fill of classic children’s stories come to life at the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden. This charming outdoor display honors the author’s legacy with large bronze statues of Dr. Seuss himself and some of his most beloved characters, including the Cat in the Hat, the Lorax, Horton the Elephant, and the Grinch.

With so much to see, everyone in your group will surely have a great time as you explore this unique and free Springfield attraction. 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

Springfield Science Museum

Established in 1859, the Springfield Science Museum has been encouraging imagination and discovery for well over a century. There you’ll find a variety of captivating exhibits that will both educate and entertain you and your team.

The Springfield Science Museum’s many exhibits focus mainly on the physical and natural sciences. Some of these exhibits include Molecular Playground, the Solutia Live Animal Center, and Dinosaur Hall.

At Molecular Playground, you can explore and interact with various molecules as their images are projected onto a screen by an innovative, shadow-sensing infrared camera.

The Solutia Live Animal Center offers visitors the chance to observe some very unusual creatures up close. These creatures include fish that walk on land, turtles that look like leaves, frogs that produce toxic poison, and more.

At Dinosaur Hall you and your team can pay a visit to the museum’s 20-foot-tall, life-sized replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex, as well as a replica of both a Coelophysis and a Stegosaurus skeleton.

These are only a few of the many amazing things you and your team will get to see at the Springfield Science Museum. To find out what else you can discover there, you’ll just have to visit it for yourself! 21 Edwards St, Springfield, MA 01103

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Located in the city where the sport of basketball was originally invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a 48,000-square-foot museum that pays homage to the history and heroes of the game.

Throughout the Basketball Hall of Fame’s three floors, you and your team will find hundreds of interactive exhibits that share the spotlight with skills challenges, clinics, and shooting contests where your team can see how they stack up against each other along with basketball’s greats.

If you plan on visiting the Basketball Hall of Fame with a group of 15 or more, call ahead at least one week in advance to take advantage of their discounted group admission rates. 1000 W Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA 01105

Tower Square

If you and your team are looking for retail and dining options close to the MassMutual Center, just head to nearby Tower Square. Tower Square is an urban mall located in the heart of downtown Springfield. It features 180,000 square feet of retail space that offers an eclectic selection of stores, eateries, and more.

Retailers that can be found at Tower Square include UMass Marketplace, which sells various UMass apparel and souvenirs; Something 2 Talk About, a women’s clothing store; and CVS.

While at Tower Square, you and your team can also enjoy a variety of dining options. For a quick bite to eat, stop by Citywalk Cafes, the mall’s international food court. If you’re all in the mood for a sit-down dining experience instead, Tower Square features two team-friendly, full-service restaurants as well. 1500 Main St, Springfield, MA 01115

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Places to Eat

Red Rose Pizzeria

Opened in 1963, Red Rose Pizzeria has been serving some of the best Italian food in Springfield for over half a century. Although the menu at Red Rose Pizzeria features a variety of delicious Italian dishes like lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, and baked ziti, their specialty has always been their delectably crisp, thin-crust pizza.

When it comes to pizza, Red Rose Pizzeria goes above and beyond your average joint. They make their own dough from scratch in 200-pound batches four or more times a day. The dough is then topped with a variety of flavorful ingredients like pepperoni, red and green sweet peppers, and fresh mozzarella cheese, and cooked to crisp, crunchy perfection. 1060 Main St, Springfield, MA 1103

Theodores’

Although Springfield might be the last place you’d expect to find succulent, mouthwatering barbecue, a meal at Theodores’ will quickly change your tune. Located just under 10 minutes away from the MassMutual Center, Theodores’ is a popular local restaurant that serves up some of the region’s most authentic barbecue and other Southern specialties.

Start your group’s meal off right with savory appetizers like jalapeno corn fritters, crawfish poppers, or deep fried pickle spears.

When it’s time to move onto the entree course, barbecue is the main attraction at Theodores’. All of their meats are slow-smoked for hours on end over a bed of hickory wood. Barbecue offerings at Theodores’ include everything from pulled pork to beef brisket and everything in-between.

Their menu also features traditional Southern classics like jambalaya, chicken and sausage étouffé, and gumbo, in addition to kid-friendly favorites like hot dogs, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese. 201 Worthington St, Springfield, MA 1103

Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou

You and your team can get an authentic taste of the Big Easy during your visit to the MassMutual Center at Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. From spicy fried catfish to a fried chicken po’ boy dressed with spicy mayo, there’s not a single dish on the menu at Big Mamou that lacks the soulful flavor of the South.

They also serve a variety of unique appetizers like Louisiana fried oysters, Bourbon Street corn bread, and crawfish quesadillas, as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, and decadent desserts. 63 Liberty St, Springfield, MA 01103

Plan B Burger Bar

Despite its name, make no mistake; Plan B Burger Bar isn’t a backup option when looking for a great burger joint in Springfield near the MassMutual Center. It’s a first choice for sure. Each and every burger on the menu at Plan B Burger Bar offers a new and exciting twist on the American classic.

Some of their most unconventional burger offerings include the 3 Shrooms, topped with sautéed mushrooms, mushroom spread, truffle mayo, and Swiss cheese; the West Coast, with a fried egg, avocado, and Kalamata olive mayo; and the Squealer, which features a half pork, half beef burger patty topped with bacon, lettuce, pickles, cheese, tomato, mustard, and mayo.

Of course, if you prefer your burgers on the more traditional side of things, Plan B Burger Bar also features burgers like the Tavern Classic, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and special sauce; and the B Mac, with two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions all nestled between a soft sesame seed bun.

Also on the menu at Plan B Burger Bar is a wide variety of appetizers, sides, soups, salads, and entrees. 1000 W Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA 01105

No matter how long you and your team will be staying in Springfield, it’s easy to find something new and exciting to do.

Because you’ll be attending an event at the MassMutual Center, you and your team will be just moments away from some of the city’s most unique kid-friendly attractions and restaurants that undoubtedly rival those that can be found in more commonly visited cities in Massachusetts like Boston, Worchester, and Lowell.

Whenever there’s an opening in your team’s busy schedule, be sure to take advantage of this fantastic experience and see all that Springfield has to offer.