MGM officials reaffirm MGM Springfield’s commitment and plans for the property at One MGM Way. Hornbuckle and the MGM team expressed their commitment to the continued development and success of MGM Springfield and the city. During the meeting and the press conference, MGM officials announced their plans to open and expand key attractions and amenities on their property, kick off the grand opening of the first in the state sports betting venue, and their continued commitment to key economic development projects in the city including the 31 Elm Street project and an interesting in partnering with a prospected developer for the future development of the properties across from MGM Springfield on Main Street that are currently owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority.
Mayor Sarno states, “I want to thank MGM Resorts International President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Springfield President and COO Chris Kelley and the entire MGM leadership team for taking the time and accepting my invitation to come out and meet with me and Councilor Attorney Michael Fenton. This was a good and productive meeting that reaffirmed MGM Springfield’s commitment to the property by announcing set and established plans to reopen and expand their attractions and amenities.”
City Councilor Michael Fenton stated, “I have had ongoing and active discussions over the past few months with the MGM leadership team and the Mayor. I appreciate Mr. Hornbuckle’s visit and his unequivocal commitment to the City. These announcements today are a great step in the right direction and will bring about the reactivation of the site in the post-pandemic environment. In the coming weeks and months, the Casino Oversight Committee will meet to review and discuss the status of this progress. I hope to see everyone at Red Sox Winter Weekend. It will be a star-studded cast including Pedro, Papi, Wade Boggs and others - this is our City!”
“On the financial front, I do want to acknowledge that even during the height of pandemic when they were closed and later reopened at a reduced capacity, per state mandate, they never missed their obligated payments to the city per our Host Community Agreement,” added Mayor Sarno. “MGM Springfield has also responded positively with their entertainment aspects at our MassMutual Center and historic Symphony Hall with concerts and shows, along with supporting our Springfield Thunderbirds.”
“I also appreciate that both Hornbuckle and Kelley reaffirmed their commitment to boosting and increasing the number of jobs on the property. They mentioned that there are currently 279 open positions they are ready and able to fill. Their hotel has been fully open but they need people to apply and fill these jobs and positions so that they can continue to move forward reaching full capacity at their hotel and start the process of fully reopening all aspects within the property,” Mayor Sarno continued. “They are even willing to pay for potential job candidates to get the training needed to be a dealer.”
Mayor Sarno emphasized that the city is starting to get ‘our mojo back’ and the rejuvenation, energy and vibe the city had before the pandemic hit, is slowly coming back and that MGM Springfield will be a key partner in the economic development aspects in the administrations Urban Renewal Plans as projects are reviewed and looked at that would be conducive to the neighborhood and surrounding businesses.
Chief Administrative and Financial Officer TJ Plante, Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, and Chief of Staff Tom Ashe were also present in the meeting.
