MGM Springfield Bringing Back Indian Motorcycles When It Opens Sept. 5
It’s been a long and difficult road, but Massachusetts’ first resort casino, MGM Springfield, is mere months away from opening its doors.
That’s some seven years after Massachusetts legalized casino gambling, six years since MGM targeted Springfield for a resort casino, and four years since the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) awarded MGM Resorts the Region B (Western Massachusetts) casino license.
With the project in the home stretch, the MGM newsroom has been a busy place. Several important details about the project were announced at a recent Massachusetts Gaming Commission meeting.
Save the date
In addition to revealing the identity of several restaurants and retail stores, the targeted opening date of the casino was revealed during MGM Resorts’ presentation.
If all goes according to plan, MGM Springfield will open on or before Sept. 5, 2018.
Dining options take shape
When it’s open for business, MGM Springfield won’t lack for dining options.
The property will boast:
- At least three sit-down restaurants
- Six food court eateries
- Three bars/cocktail lounges
- The obligatory Starbucks
Here’s a quick breakdown of the known dining choices at MGM Springfield.
Chandler Steak House
What would a casino be without a high-end steakhouse? Chandler Steak House is being billed as “Vegas-level cuisine” with an extensive wine list and aged cuts of meat.
Cal Mare
Cal Mare is an upscale Italian restaurant with a menu from Chef Michael Mina that puts a New England spin on traditional Italian cuisine. Think seafood options and local Italian favorites.
Tap Sports Bar
Tap Sports Bar is a step or two above the food court, but still a more casual option than Chandler Steak House or Cal Mare. The sports bar will, of course, be serving traditional pub food.
Tap will also be the home of two of MGM Springfield’s entertainment options, an arcade and bowling alley. A Top Golf Swing Suite will be located elsewhere on the property.
South End Market
MGM Springfield’s food court features a pretty good selection of food options with cafeteria-style seating:
- Hearth Grill
- Bill’s Diner
- Wicked Noodles
- Wine & Cheese
- Gelato & Espresso
- Jack’s Lobster Shack
Bars and cocktail lounges
If you’re looking for a liquid meal, MGM Springfield will have no less than three options:
- Commonwealth Cocktail Lounge
- Lobby Bar
- Knox Bar
Shopping
Dining options are taking shape, but there’s still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the tenants that will be filling the more than 15,000 square feet MGM Springfield has dedicated to retail.
Most of the retail space is still to be determined, with only a few announced stores:
- Kringle Candle
- Essentials – the standard gift shop and basic needs shops found near virtually every MGM casino lobby.
- Cal Mare retail
MGM said it will unveil additional retail partners in the coming months.
The return of Indian Motorcycle
One new announcement was an Indian Motorcycle apparel store.
Springfield was the birthplace of Indian Motorcycle in 1901, and as part of its plan to celebrated the city’s history, MGM is opening an Indian Motorcycle apparel store.
Indian Motorcycles are still being manufactured (the name is now owned by Polaris) but the Springfield factory closed in 1953, after more than 50 years of production.
“Our partnership with Indian Motorcycle reinforces the iconic brand’s deep connection to Springfield and celebrates the city’s industrial history,” said Michael Mathis, president of MGM Springfield in a press release. “This store will be an integral part of the fun, one-of-a-kind experiences we’re creating at MGM Springfield.”
Photo by miqu77 / Shutterstock.com
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