SPRINGFIELD, Mass (CelebrityAccess) — MGM Resorts International has opened the doors to its newest resort, the $960 million hotel, casino, and entertainment complex in Springfield, Mass.
According to the Springfield Republican, thousands of people began assembling outside of the venue more than 6 hours before it’s doors officially opened for the first time.
Located in a three-block area in the city’s South End, the property includes 125,000-square-feet of casino floor featuring 2,550 slots, 120 table games, a high-limit room and a dedicated poker room with 23 tables.
While MGM was blocked from building a dedicated performance venue on the property, the company has partnered with existing local venues such as the MassMutual Center to stage concert events.
Their entertainment offerings kick off on September 1st with a concert by Stevie Wonder. Other performers lined up for sponsored shows at MassMutual include Cedric The Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, DL Hughley and George Lopez.
“We purposely sought out not to build everything on property,” Sarah Moore, vice president of brand activation and retail for MGM told USA Today in a recent interview. “People don’t understand the profound history of this city. So much has happened here. It was once a thriving economy. The infrastructure was there. The bones are there, and we’re bringing it back to life.”
As well, MGM Springfield will host smaller concerts, such as a sold-out show by the Dropkick Murphys on August 25th in the Plaza, part of the casino’s outdoor shopping and entertainment area. The Plaza will host other events as well, with a motorcycle show and a weekly beer garden planned for the space.
“The Plaza will be a high-energy gathering place at the heart of the resort, uniting visitors with Springfield locals, businesses and attractions,” Michael Mathis, president of MGM Springfield told the Springfield Republican. “Our goal is to introduce the region to a new standard of entertainment offerings with everything from farmers markets and pop-up art galleries to concerts and seasonal attractions.”
