The MassMutual Center is a multi-purpose arena and convention center, in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Built in the city's metro center across from Court Square, the facility opened in 1972 as the Springfield Civic Center and was at the time considered to be the largest arena in the region. It was owned and operated by the City of Springfield for eighteen years, before going into private hands for the following next six years. In 1996, it reverted to city control. A few years later, the Massachusetts Legislature authorized a major renovation of the facility and transferred ownership to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA). The project included a renovation of the 8,000 seat arena and construction of a new 100,000 sq. ft. convention center facing Main Street wher