03-05-2025
Surge of students and families expected for local graduations
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The City of Springfield will be bustling with activity this weekend as local colleges hold their graduation ceremonies.
It's that time of year again when families and friends of graduates gather to celebrate their achievements.
On Sunday, a surge of visitors and families will be heading to both AIC and Bay Path University's commencement ceremonies at the MassMutual Center. The President of Explore Western Mass, Mary Kay Wyrda says this influx of people is expected to have a positive impact on the city's economy with increased spending on hotels, parking, and restaurants. Adding some of Springfield's other newest amenities will also be drawing people in.
'The city just invested in Court Square, and so having the commencements right at the MassMutual Center, they get an opportunity to see that there's a new car park in downtown Springfield that folks can take advantage of parking close,' said Wyrda.
Wyrda predicts hundreds, if not thousands, of people will be in Springfield's downtown this weekend. And for the whole month of May, there will be big commencement ceremonies happening at the MassMutual Center.
Later in the month, colleges like Westfield State, Elms College, and Springfield College will be holding their ceremonies.
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