As its September opening approaches, the MGM Springfield is releasing more details on its $960 million casino resort. However, on one phase it is requesting an extra year from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Last week it released more details to the MGC, including plans for free downtown shuttle and a request to add more gaming tables and cut back on some slots.
It asked for an extra year to work with the city to partially fund at $11 million the restoration of an historic building on Elm Street to provide 54 units of market rate housing in the South End.
However, nothing appears to be standing in the way of a successful opening in September.
MGM President Michael Mathis told the panel, “The stars are aligned for really a wonderful opening and we are incredibly excited.”
He revealed that the casino and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority are negotiating a free shuttle bus that would serve the downtown with electric power buses.
MGM wants to change its focus toward more table games, poker and interactive slots that appeal to millennials, cutting the number of gaming “positions” by 333.
MGM is planning to use the restored historic State Armory building as a multipurpose space for events, food, beverage and retail.
All such changes must be approved by the MGC.
