The MGM Springfield hopes to hit the jackpot when it finally debuts this weekend. The new, 2-million-square-foot resort and casino has been quite the undertaking, costing $960 million in investments while taking over 14 acres and three city blocks along Main Street. Now that the enormous venue is set to open up shop, here’s everything you need to know about MGM Springfield.
When does MGM Springfield open?
The grand opening ceremony will officially kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 24. The fun will begin with a parade from the corner of State and Main streets in downtown Springfield, featuring hundreds of MGM Springfield employees, construction workers, local officials and even the Budweiser Clydesdales. Guests can join in on the action as it heads from Main Street to the venue’s entrance. The doors will open at around 11 a.m.
Dubbed the Plaza, MGM Springfield’s outdoor entertainment and dining area will also get in on the fun with food trucks, music, games and more between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday. Boston’s beloved Dropkick Murphys will perform at a sold-out concert hosted at the Plaza on Saturday night.
How to stay and play at MGM Springfield
There’s plenty of ways to get your game on at the new casino, which features a 125,000-square-foot gaming floor filled with 2,550 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, a poker room, plus a VIP area for high rollers.
Don’t feel like testing your luck? They’ve got you covered on that front as well. Guests can enjoy a movie at the luxury cinema, work on their golf swing with Topgolf and have some fun at the arcade and bowling alley.
If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, MGM Springfield has a number of outlets on site, including Kringle, Indian Motorcycle, Hannoush Jewlers and Essentials. Guests can also pamper themselves at the salon or spa. The later offers an array of services, from massages to skincare, plus a pool and fitness center.
The Plaza will have all sorts of entertainment going on throughout the year as well. Upcoming highlights include a cornhole tournament, a motorcycle show, dueling pianos, a farmers market and yoga. An ice rink will also be set up outdoors in the winter.
And if you’re interested in staying at MGM Springfield, the venue has 250 guest rooms and suites in its five-story hotel.
MGM Springfield restaurants and bars
Visitors can feast away at the various restaurants and eateries on site. Chef Michael Mina’s Cal Mare will offer Italian coastal cuisines, while chef Meghan Gill brings the beef to the Chandler Steakhouse. There’s also the South End Market and TAP Sports Bar for more casual dining experiences, while the Commonwealth Bar and Lounge, Lobby Bar and Knox Bar will be the go-to, nightlife destinations.
MGM Springfield concerts and shows
The MassMutual Center will serve as the concert and sports venue for MGM Springfield. Upcoming performances include Stevie Wonder on Sept. 1, Bill Burr on Oct. 4 and the Comedy Get Down with George Lopez, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and D.L. Hughley on Nov. 9.
If you go:
MGM Springfield, 1 MGM Way, Springfield, mgmspringfield.com
