Springfield, Mass. has a rich history of innovation. From Webster’s (now Merriam-Webster’s) dictionary to the first American gasoline-powered automobile to basketball, the city has spawned numerous inventions during its 375-year history — in fact, its nickname is “The City of Firsts.”

Now, the city has another first to add to the books, with the opening of the state’s first resort and casino. MGM Springfield ushers in a new era for Massachusetts, not too long ago a state with blue laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

The 250-room MGM Springfield takes up three city blocks in downtown Springfield. The $960 million resort opened its doors on Aug. 24 with a variety of festivities including a parade of MGM Springfield employees and executives, Cirque du Soleil performers, The Minutemen UMASS Marching Band, Indian Motorcycles, community partners and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Congressman Richard Neal and Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby joined MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren and MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis for the opening celebrations.

 “Our Administration is excited to officially welcome MGM to Springfield and we look forward to the new economic and job opportunities this project will help bring throughout the region,” said Baker.

MGM Resorts officials say that the resort has created 3,000 jobs.

MGM Springfield’s meeting and event center offers 34,000 square feet of flexible meeting space including two divisible ballrooms, an additional meeting room and a boardroom. A 6,200-square-foot outdoor terrace provides natural lighting for the ballrooms’ pre-function space. Planners can also host indoor-outdoor events in the resort’s castle-like Armory, which was originally built in 1895.

The resort also manages the MassMutual Center, which is owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. Located less than five minutes’ walk from MGM Springfield, the MassMutual Center features 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space plus an 8,000-seat arena which is also used for concerts.

There are plenty of dining options onsite, including restaurants from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, Adam Sobel, and Hell’s Kitchen Season 14 winner Meghan Gill. For those looking for more casual fare, the South End Market food hall contains six additional dining options. Wahlburgers is scheduled to open on-property in late 2019.

Casino resorts are typically known for their bars and lounges, and MGM Springfield is no exception. The Lobby Bar, Knox Bar and Commonwealth Bar and Lounge all offer evening libations and the TAP Sports bar even features a 10-lane bowling alley.

There are also plenty of other entertainment and leisure options available, including a seven-screen Regal Cinema and the region’s first Topgolf^® Swing Suite. The resort also offers a full-service spa, salon, fitness center and 8,000 sq. ft. pool.

For those looking for the classic MGM Resorts Las Vegas-style gaming experience, MGM Springfield’s 125,000-square-foot casino floor features 2,550 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, a poker room and high-limit VIP gaming lounge. 

Murren stated that he believes MGM Springfield positions the city for a fresh wave of rediscovery.  

“Travelers seeking authentic, local experiences are rediscovering small cities across the U.S. that fuse small-town charm with the allure of big-city culture,” he said.

The Loop, a new free-to-ride transportation service linking downtown tourist spots, hotels, restaurants and cultural districts opened in conjunction with the resort. The Loop connects the resort with iconic Springfield sites including Union Station, State Armory, Springfield Museums and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Other spots of interest near the resort include the riverfront, Symphony Hall, and The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.

MGM Springfield is located 80 miles west of Boston with immediate access to Interstate 91 and the Mass. Pike, as well as nearby Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Conn. and the Amtrak-serviced Union Station.  The resort offers free parking for hotel guests and the general public in its 3,400-space parking garage.

For more information on booking meetings at MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center, go HERE.

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