To get a sense of how large the new MGM casino looms in discussions of Springfield’s future, consider where it’s being built.
The casino is rising right in the middle of Springfield’s gritty downtown. Three city blocks have been transformed into one vast construction site, packed with hard-hatted workers and scaffolding stretching toward the sky.
Given the central role that MGM Springfield is expected to play in a Springfield renaissance, it's a fitting location.
"I’m a Springfield native," said Seth Stratton, MGM Springfield's vice president and legal counsel. "I was born and raised in Springfield. I honestly believe that in five to 10 years, people will not recognize downtown."
In a conference room high above the city, Stratton gazes down at the project and points out interesting details, like the fact that that it’s being built on parcels that became available after a devastating tornado hit back in 2011. And he lists all the ways the casino is expected to transform his hometown, including 3,000 new jobs, annual payments to the city of $25 million, and $50 million in annual spending on local good and services.
"We’re really excited about the craft brewery movement, and there’s a lot of brewers in this area we’d love to bring in to our project," he said. "The farm-to-table movement is huge, it’s big out here in Western Mass. We’re going to look to capitalize on that as well."
But Trask adds that with a roster of amenities that includes a movie theater, a day spa, and a bowling alley, MGM Springfield will be on the cutting edge of the casino business.
