MGM Resorts
is scheduled to break ground on its $800 million casino in Springfield, Massachusetts on Tuesday.
The resort casino will occupy a 14.5 acre site in Springfield’s South End, which was destroyed by a tornado almost four years ago.
The casino is expected to open in 2017.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted MGM an integrated resort license for the state’s western part. Later on, it awarded Wynn Resorts a license for the Boston area but that project has not yet begun construction in Everett.
MGM’s casino overlay district, which determines the exact location of the MGM property, was presented to Springfield City Council on March 23 at the city hall, 7 p.m.
The council and MGM are in agreement that the public hearing will be scheduled once the site plans are finalized.
“The formal vote to approve the district, formally establishing the boundaries and related guidelines, is another very important step in the process,” Fenton added.
Meanwhile, the Penn National Gaming-owned Plainridge Park Casino has set an official opening date of June 24 for its gambling facility with 1,250 slot machines and video table games.
“There are no plans to close the doors ever again: Like most casinos, it will operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year,” said Plainridge General Manager Lance George. “This opening introduces a new industry to the state and marks the beginning of a new era for Massachusetts.”
The casino will feature dining and entertainment venues, including an upscale restaurant called Slacks Oyster House and Grill, and a sports pub, which will be named after Boston College legend Doug Flutie. The casino is expected to compete with Twin River casino in Rhode Island for Massachusetts customers.
“We are excited to set our opening date for the first casino in Massachusetts. This state-of-the-art facility will offer premier gaming, dining, entertainment and racing options that are unmatched in the region,” said Penn National President and CEO Tim Wilmott.
