Big E to make big casino announcement

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - With less than a week left until casino applications are due, another casino company will be making a big announcement Friday.

Late this morning, the Eastern States Exposition is expected to announce a partnership with Hard Rock International.  The 22News I-Team broke the news of the partnership earlier this week. 

The plan for a new resort casino on land owned by the Big E would include a large concert venue, retail space, and a traffic ramp off Route 5.

Before anything happens, however, those who live here in West Springfield must approve it, and some residents 22News spoke with aren't so sure whether the gaming license belongs on this side of the Connecticut River.

“I don't believe we should have a casino here in West Springfield. I don't think the traffic or the infrastructure can handle it,” Ivana Delossantos of West Springfield said. “We've got Memorial Avenue here that is always in disrepair.”

Then there are others who believe their city deserves a shot in the race for a casino license.

Evidently this plan has been in the works for some time. 22News found out this week that several property owners along Memorial Avenue have already been contacted by the Big E about buying their land.

Friday’s announcement will take place during a "red carpet" luncheon at 11:30am at the Storrowton Tavern, and 22News will be there bringing you the latest coverage. You can watch the event streaming live here on WWLP.com on any device.