The opening date for the MGM Springfield casino may be pushed back by as much as a year
Springfield city officials Tuesday disclosed that MGM is seeking to coordinate the opening of the casino with the completion of the reconstruction of I-91. The highway project is not expected to wrap up until 2018, a year after the projected opening date for what would be the state’s first resort casino.
An MGM spokesperson said the company planned to discuss the project timetable with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission at a June 25th meeting.
MGM Spokesperson Carole Brennan said in an email:
"MGM is participating in a series of meetings with MassDOT and City of Springfield officials to discuss the status of both the MGM Springfield and the I-91 viaduct construction projects. From day one, the coordination of the two project timelines has been part of the MGM Springfield story. We plan to bring this discussion in full to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission when it meets later this month."
MGM broke ground for the casino in March, but is still awaiting state and local permits to begin substantial construction. At the time MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis said the permitting delays were not a concern.
" It is really not. I think the biggest reason is because everybody wants to see this project happen," he said.
MGM could have to pay financial penalties to Springfield if the casino opening is delayed past 2017.
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