The Springfield Falcons (AHL) will be playing at MassMutual Center for two more years as a Columbus Blue Jackets affiliate, under two deals announced yesterday.
The future of the Falcons has been an open question for months now. Majority Owner Charlie Pompea brought a measure of stability and enthusiasm to the program when he and his partners bought the team in December 2010. And while that enthusiasm hasn’t necessarily translated into a big financial success — the team draws only 3,029 fans a game, next to last in the AHL — he must like what he sees.
Yesterday Pompea and the team announced a two-year lease extension with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, keeping the team at MassMutual Center through the 2013-14 season. In addition, the team signed a two-year extension of its affiliation deal with the Blue Jackets, also through the 2013-14 season.
“As an owner, I am very optimistic about the potential of the Springfield Falcons and I am happy to announce this two-year extension here in Springfield,” Pompea said via press release. “We are hoping to partner with the community in making this your team. Obviously like the fans, I am disappointed in our first half results and do hope that the string of injuries that has affected our results on the ice will conclude. We need fans in the stands and I look forward to a much better second half. I would like to thank our many corporate supporters and loyal fans. I look forward to our mutual success both on and off the ice and I can’t wait to hear Shake Rattle and Roll after more wins at The Nest.”
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