SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The celebrating had barely concluded yesterday for MGM Springfield’s historic referendum win in its bid for the sole Western Massachusetts casino operator’s license when the team began the next phase of the campaign for Western Massachusetts.
MGM Resorts and MGM Springfield President Bill Hornbuckle and other senior MGM executives today called municipal leaders in communities around Springfield to share the news of the Springfield referendum victory, which expands the campaign to Western Massachusetts.
Even at an election watch party at the Lyman Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History on Tuesday night, Chairman and CEO Jim Murren pointed to the future when he addressed a crowd of 300: “When Downtown Springfield comes to life, Western Massachusetts will see a renaissance. And it all begins here tonight.”
“We are proud to have Springfield and its residents as our partner in the next phase of this competition,” said Hornbuckle. “The selection process and campaign in Springfield strengthened our team and showed us what it will take to make Springfield an even stronger economic engine for the region. We have no doubt that Springfield and MGM together are the best choice for Western Massachusetts.”
As most people were waking up to the news that Springfield voters approved the MGM Springfield project, MGM executives were already on the phones with Mayors, Town Managers and heads of regional organizations in the surrounding communities.
“We are eager to continue this momentum and connect personally with surrounding community leaders who will play an important role in the selection process,” said Hornbuckle. “We have taken a comprehensive approach to the design and overall development of this project and have always had regional partnerships and opportunities in mind.”
MGM is the only Western Massachusetts casino competitor who has received the host community approval through a referendum vote which is a necessary step under the Massachusetts Gaming Law. Other election dates have not been set.
MGM Springfield is proposed for 14.5 acres of land between Union and State streets, and Columbus Avenue and Main Street. MGM is seeking the sole gaming license in Western Massachusetts.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world’s leading global hospitality companies, operating destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. The Company also owns 51 percent of MGM China Holdings Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, and 50 percent of CityCenter in Las Vegas, which features ARIA resort and casino.
For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company’s website at www.mgmresorts.com.
SOURCE MGM Resorts International
