MassMutual Center, UMass and AIC To Co-Host 2024 NCAA DI Men’s Ice Hockey Regional
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced today that the MassMutual Center, in conjunction with American International College and the University of Massachusetts, has been selected to host a 2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Regional, marking the first time the event has been held at the MassMutual Center.
“We are extremely excited to be hosting the NCAA Division I Men’s Regional Ice Hockey Championships in 2024,” said Sean Dolan, General Manager of the MassMutual Center. “We are looking forward to partnering with both the University of Massachusetts and American International College as we welcome hockey fans to Western Massachusetts, where we have established a winning tradition.”
“The MassMutual Center has been hockey’s home in Western Massachusetts for decades and the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is excited to showcase our venue and welcome fans to be a part of the next chapter of hockey history in Springfield,” said David Gibbons, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority.
The two-day regional will feature four teams competing in two first round games, with the winners advancing to the regional final the following day. The winner of the regional final will advance to the 2024 Frozen Four, which will be held at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with American International College and the MassMutual Center for a 2024 Regional,” said Massachusetts Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford. “We have been privileged to see firsthand the passion that fans in this region have for college hockey, and we are looking forward to playing a part in hosting a first-class event in Springfield during one of the most exciting weekends on the college hockey calendar.”
In addition to Springfield, Mass., Providence, R.I. (Dunkin’ Donuts Center), Sioux Falls, S.D. (Denny Sanford PREMIER Center), and Maryland Heights, Mo. (Centene Community Ice Center) were also selected as regional sites in 2024.
“We are thrilled to be awarded the bid for the Division I Ice Hockey Championship with UMass and the MassMutual Center for 2024,” said AIC Interim Director of Athletic Jessica Chapin. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to add to the storied history of hockey in the Springfield, Massachusetts area.”
About American International Athletics
The American International College Department of Athletics’ goal is to provide an avenue for students to fulfill the College’s mission “to prepare students for personal fulfillment, professional achievement and civic engagement through educational experiences that transform lives.” We believe in the NCAA Division II motto of “Life in the Balance,” where our student-athletes engage in athletic competition, academic achievement, and community engagement in concert. Our memberships in the Northeast-10 Conference and Atlantic Hockey Conference afford our student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest levels and become champions on the field and in life.
About Massachusetts Athletics
The Massachusetts Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, an integral part of the University of Massachusetts’ educational mission, is a comprehensive and nationally-recognized Division I athletics and campus recreation program which positively reflects the interests and values of the institution’s students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who support its many endeavors. Through its core values of family, leadership, authentic, grit, service, heart, integrity and passion, the Department provides the leadership, resources and support to ensure all student-athletes receive the finest academic and athletic experience possible with a focus on its strategic priorities to educate, win, inspire and invest.
About MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and is Western Massachusetts’ most diverse function space with over 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including a 40,000 sq. ft. flexible exhibit hall, five fully-functional meeting rooms, a 15,000 sq. ft. ballroom, and an 8,000-seat arena. The facility is managed by the entertainment and hospitality industry leader, MGM Springfield, and the proud home to the AHL Springfield Thunderbirds and American International College DI Men’s Hockey team, in addition to hosting family shows, concerts, meetings, social and corporate functions, sporting events and more.