MGM Resorts International has a new location in an ever-expanding footprint that is taking the brand to some unlikely places. The latest MGM resort opened last month in Springfield, Massachusetts – a place more famous for handguns, colleges, dictionaries, buns and bus lines than casino entertainment. But the integrated luxury resort has found a way to combine the excitement and energy of Las Vegas with the rich historical context of New England and bundle it into an enticing package on the banks of the Connecticut River.

Springfield’s location, just 24 miles from Hartford, Connecticut and 90 miles west of Boston, makes access easy and the sleepy town of some 700,000 souls offers plenty of Americana and history to explore.

“Travelers seeking authentic, local experiences are rediscovering small cities across the U.S. that fuse small-town charm with the allure of big-city culture,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. “With a 375-year legacy as a major crossroads of New England, Springfield is poised to join the likes of such hidden gems with the development of MGM Springfield leading a fresh wave of rediscovery in The City of Firsts.”

Inspired to drive curiosity in local heritage for a new wave of locals and visitors, MGM Springfield’s design team incorporated architectural landmarks and hundreds of locally sourced vintage treasures into the resort. From recasting the former hotel to Presidents Polk and Buchanan into a sophisticated steakhouse to restoring a 19th century arsenal and a High Gothic-style church, the development thoughtfully merges new building with historic architecture, with a resulting aesthetic that is distinctly Springfield.

Covering three city blocks in the heart of downtown, the resort features whimsical accommodations with nods to notable locals Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Emily Dickinson; recognized-chef restaurants by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina and Adam Sobel, and Hell’s Kitchen Season 14 winner Meghan Gill; innovative lounges; a seven-screen luxury Regal Cinemas; 10-lane bowling alley within TAP Sports Bar; a Topgolf® Swing Suite; a worthy spa; an expansive public art collection; A-list entertainment; and an open-air plaza activated daily with live music, pop-up-art galleries, food trucks and events.

 

MGM Springfield at a Glance:

Accommodations. MGM Springfield features 250 guestrooms including 16 suites. Design details — including factory-style paned glass and Edison bulb fixtures — invoke Springfield’s industrial roots, while eclectic artwork adds touches of the locale’s creative iconography with nods to such legendary locals as Emily Dickinson and Dr. Seuss. For instance, the resort’s 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite presents a stunning hat chandelier inspired by the 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.

Gaming. Massachusetts’ first gaming resort, MGM Springfield’s 125,000-square-foot casino floor features 2,550 slot machines, 120 gaming tables, a poker room and high-limit VIP gaming lounge. And that casino is smoke-free to promote health and enhance the enjoyment of gaming in a clean air environment.

Food & Beverage. A downtown epicurean destination, MGM Springfield offers an array of new-to-market concepts and celebrated-chef restaurants, including Italian coastal concept Cal Mare by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Mina and Chef Adam Sobel; fine steaks and seafood at The Chandler Steakhouse with Hell’s Kitchen season 14 winner Meghan Gill serving as executive chef; MGM’s signature TAP Sports Bar; and South End Market, a lively modern food hall boasting six casual and convenient eateries.

Entertainment. The 8,000-seat MassMutual Center will host world tours from top artists to town beginning with Stevie Wonder in September. High-energy social elements like the region’s first public Topgolf Swing Suite, luxury Regal Cinemas, and TAP Sports Bar complete with a 10-lane bowling alley and arcade, bring a fun lineup of activities for all generations to downtown Springfield. The Plaza serves as an outdoor gathering space hosting interactive events designed to foster community engagement such as Beer Yoga, a pop-up art gallery by Springfield muralist John Simpson, seasonal activations and more.

Nightlife. The art of mixology is evident across the resort at destination venues including Lobby Bar, Knox Bar and Commonwealth. From crafted classics to creative libations, each beverage menu spotlights freshly pressed juices, house-made elixirs and locally sourced ingredients. Commonwealth Bar and Lounge features DJs or live entertainment nightly and is home to the $25,000 Indian Sidecar – made with a rare 1901 Croizet Cognac and includes an authentic Indian Motorcycle.

Art & Culture. Drawing inspiration from the city’s legacy rich in art and culture, MGM Springfield features a curated collection from local and national artists. From large-scale sculptures to intriguing paintings, talent is displayed through dozens of commissioned and procured works throughout the resort. Mia Pearlman’s The Flying Tidings Whirled sculpture commemorates the resilience of Springfield following the devastating 2011 tornado, while contemporary artist Jeppe Hein’s bright red Bench of Expectation catches the attention of passersby in The Plaza with its winding loops and slides, inviting them for a sit or to marvel at its creativity.

Spa & Pool. Guests needing to recharge can find indulgence at MGM Springfield’s full-service spa complete with seven treatment rooms, couples’ suites and a warm design inspired by New England’s signature maritime style. A separate salon for men and women hosts an in-house barbershop. An 8,000-square-foot pool provides a summertime urban escape.

Meetings & Events. With approximately 34,000 square feet of versatile space, MGM Springfield’s meeting and event center features ballrooms, meeting rooms and boardrooms adjacent to a 6,200-square-foot outdoor terrace that floods pre-function areas with natural light. For indoor-outdoor space with a historical twist, guests can host events in the resort’s castle-like Armory, which was built in 1895 and restored to its current spectacular state by the MGM Resorts’ design team.

Guests who get out and explore this small town in western Massachusetts will find such nuggets as the Basketball Hall of Fame and The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The central downtown location allows guests to explore spontaneously or navigate a more robust travel experience aboard The Loop, a new free-to-ride transportation service linking downtown tourist spots, hotels, restaurants and cultural districts. The Loop connects Springfield’s most iconic sites including Union Station, State Armory, Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield.

Room reservations can be made via mgmspringfield.com. Nightly room rates start at $219. Call (413) 273-5000.