MGM, Penn National deliver proposals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - MGM and Penn National Gaming both met Springfield's deadline to hand in their detailed casino proposals by Thursday at 2pm.

One developer made a show of it, the other didn't even show up. 

MGM rolled up to Springfield City Hall in Escalades.  Everyone from a Vice President to community volunteers helped hand deliver their comprehensive casino proposals. 


"There literally was no more important project in our entire company of 62,000", says MGM International Vice President of Global Gaming Development Mike Mathis.

You can notice a difference in delivery presentation.  MGM handed in 18 boxes.  Penn National mailed in their proposal.

"I'm looking for substance, not style.  I will say that style goes a long to creating a positive atmosphere out there in the voting public.  The public will have to vote", says Springfield's Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy.

Penn National did not send a representative to drop off their proposals, they sent it through a courier.  Penn National hopes to build in the North End of Springfield.  MGM in the South End. 

"What we're hoping is that they both come in really really good and we say that we need to go forward with negotiations for both", says Kennedy.

Plenty of eyes will see both proposals in the next few weeks, but Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno will have the final say on whether the city negotiates with one or both developers.  That decision is likely to be announced on January 25th. 

"We hope to get a call at the end of the month and they want us to come in and talk further about what we submitted", says Mathis.

Kennedy told 22News he plans on releasing a copy of the proposals to the public in the next week or so.