SPRINGFIELD – The American Hockey League (AHL) All-Star Classic brought many visitors to Western Massachusetts.

For the first time in 60 years, Springfield’s MassMutual Center was selected to host the AHL All -Star Classic. The AHL, which is headquartered in Springfield, and the Springfield Thunderbirds, put on the All- Star Classic.

The All- Star Classic generated $2.8 million in revenue (Destinations International Economic Impact Calculator) MGM Springfield reported that their hotel was sold out Sunday and Monday. The Sheraton, HGI and Hampton Inn Springfield also had filled rooms for the event.

The All- Star Classic took place on Jan 27 and 28. The two-day event was sponsored by Lexus and presented by MGM Springfield. The All-Star classic consisted of skills competitions such as pass and score and speed skating contests on Jan. 27. Springfield Thunderbirds All-Star Anthony Greco was a stand out during the competitions for breaking the AHL record for Fastest Skater with a time of 13.251 seconds. On Jan. 28, AHL Hall of Fame Inductions were held along with an awards ceremony.

“It was a tremendously successful AHL All-Star Weekend at MGM Springfield. From the ice carvings to the viewing parties to the mascots skating in our ice rink, the whole property was alive with excitement. Hockey has always been at the heart of Springfield's culture and traditions, and we were honored have been able to stand with the city, American Hockey League and Springfield Thunderbirds during this momentous occasion,” said Talia Spera, executive director of Entertainment, MGM Springfield.

Local restaurants were also able to benefit greatly the weekend of the All-Star Classic. Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Grill on Main St typically have quiet evenings on Sunday and Monday nights. Owner Nadim Kashouh said it was a much different outcome that weekend. He sat 400 people Sunday and Monday for lunches and dinners. “It was a great weekend for us here at Nadim’s with the AHL All-Star Classic in Springfield, We welcomed dozens of patrons who stopped in for dinner and a drink before heading to the games,” Kashouh said.

Other restaurants that did well are Red Rose Pizzeria, also located on Main St., and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ on Worthington St.

Visitors were traveling from all over to see the All-Star Classic, some even as far as Nova Scotia and Quebec. Because of this, foot traffic at The William C. Sullivan Regional Visitors Center was high. Guests were interested in information on The Basketball Hall of Fame, the multiple museums in Springfield such as The Amazing World Of Dr. Seuss Museum, The Springfield Science Museum, The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum and The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The MGM Casino was also a large topic of interest for the tourists.

“We enjoyed the fantastic energy that the AHL All-Star Games brought to Springfield, and had a great success dovetailing our second annual Ice Sculpture Invasion with the hockey events. The foot traffic all across downtown truly made the streets come alive, bringing business to our restaurants, shops and area attractions. It was a win-win for all,” commented Chris Russell, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District.

The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) announced that that is just the beginning and there are more exciting events to bring visitors to the area in store.

“We created our Sports Commission as a sales division within our bureau several years ago for the very purpose of bringing events like this into the region,” said GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra.

Some upcoming events are:

• The 21st Annual New England Sled Hockey Tournament April 28-30, bringing in 16 teams to compete at the Amelia Ice Park in Westfield.

• Massachusetts Professional Firefighters Association will hold their annual meeting at the MassMutual Center, June 9-12, with 1,000 hotel rooms booked

• Clock and Watch Convention June 12-15 at the Big E, with 2,500 attendees.

• Massachusetts Democratic Party’s Convention on Sept. 14, with 4,000 attendees.