Exhibitor guide · Springfield, Massachusetts
MassMutual Center: the exhibitor's guide
Two exhibit halls under 27-foot ceilings in the birthplace of basketball, a civic center that opened in 1972 and gained a dedicated convention wing in 2005, and a casino operator running the show floor. What exhibitors need to know in Western Massachusetts.
MassMutual Center · 1277 Main StWhy this page exists
Springfield is the birthplace of basketball, home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and its MassMutual Center reflects the city's civic scale: opened in 1972 as the Springfield Civic Center, it gained a dedicated convention wing in 2005, and it's owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority but managed day-to-day by MGM Springfield, the casino operator next door. For exhibitors, the two exhibit halls under 27-foot ceilings give more vertical room than many mid-size venues, useful for taller displays. This guide covers the exhibit space, Massachusetts' labor rules, drayage, and hotels in Western Massachusetts' largest city.
The building
The exhibit halls
| Space | What it is | Typical shows | Booth planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Hall | 18,000 sq ft, 27-foot ceilings. | Regional trade shows | Can combine with East Hall via a removable air wall. |
| East Hall | 22,650 sq ft, 27-foot ceilings. | Regional trade shows, consumer expos | The larger of the two halls. |
| 100,000+ sq ft total | Including meeting rooms and flexible event space beyond the two exhibit halls. | Breakouts, general sessions | Hand-carry and tabletop formats. |
Figures from the MassMutual Center's published floor plans and facility guide.
The labor map
Who sets up my booth?
Massachusetts' statewide union jurisdiction applies; confirm current terms with the show's official contractor.
Strict union market; confirm with the contractor
Rules vary by show; Purple confirms current terms before your build.
Exhibitor-appointed contractors
Purple files as your EAC for MassMutual Center shows.
History
1972 to the 2005 convention wing
The Springfield Civic Center opens, becoming the city's primary arena and event venue.
A dedicated convention center wing opens, adding the West and East exhibit halls under their signature 27-foot ceilings, giving the complex a genuine trade-show identity separate from the arena.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns the building; MGM Springfield, which operates the casino resort next door, manages it day to day.
Free tool
MassMutual Center drayage estimator
Planning numbers for 2026 and 2027; your show's exhibitor kit has the tariff.
Logistics
Hotels, transit, crew logistics
- Airport: Bradley International (Hartford/Springfield) is about 20 minutes; Logan International is about 90 minutes.
- Walking: downtown Springfield hotels, including MGM Springfield, are a short walk.
- Nearby: the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a short walk from the venue.
- Crew: Purple coordinates Northeast crews for Springfield installs.
| Hotel | Distance | Why exhibitors pick it |
|---|---|---|
| MGM Springfield | Walking distance | The operator of the MassMutual Center itself. |
| Downtown Springfield hotels | Walking distance | Additional options near Court Square. |
Questions
MassMutual Center FAQ
Who manages the MassMutual Center?
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns it, but MGM Springfield, which runs the casino resort next door, manages daily operations.
How big are the exhibit halls?
40,000 square feet combined across the West and East Halls, both with 27-foot ceilings.
Is the Basketball Hall of Fame nearby?
Yes, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is a short walk from the venue.
How much is drayage?
Purple's planning estimate is about $160 per hundredweight in 2026 and 2027, with a 200-pound minimum.
How tall are the exhibit hall ceilings?
27 feet.
When did the convention center wing open?
2005, on the site of the 1972 Springfield Civic Center.
Exhibiting in Springfield?
Send us the show and booth number. You get a labor briefing, a drayage estimate, and a build timeline within two business days.
Venue guides
Every venue we have a guide for
Same standard, every hall: the building, the rules, the tools and the calendar.