SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Indian Motorcycle 1901 reopened once again at the MGM Springfield Plaza after having closed their doors in 2020.

The newly reopened Indian Motorcycle 1901 will feature merchandise from the iconic Springfield-born pioneers of the American motorcycle industry. MGM Springfield made it clear when they opened that history is extremely important to them and designed the memorabilia shop to honor that history.

At the beginning of the pandemic three years ago, MGM Springfield was forced to significantly reduce their operations which in turn lead to the closure of stores and a decrease in employees. City leadership said that’s long enough… it’s time to follow through on those opening promises.

MGM Resorts International CEO and President William Hornbuckle was in Springfield to meet with city leaders back in January. MGM Springfield has faced complaints about not adhering to the community-host agreement it signed with the city of Springfield.

“So I have to be diplomatically aggressive, but also we have an agreement which is iron clad the pandemic really knocked them for a loop. My administration has pumped in millions and millions of dollars to help businesses survive… now, we’re in the mode of thriving,” expressed Mayor Domenic Sarno.

Hornbuckle said they are working on plans to increase jobs, expand existing businesses
and open new businesses in the darkened storefronts on Main Street. Inside the casino, Hornbuckle said there will be more regular and expanded hours for restaurants and attractions.

The original estimate was 3,000 jobs for the downtown site, MGM has since acknowledged that was an over-estimate. CEO Chris Kelley said Thursday they hit a pandemic low of less than 100 employees. Now, they’re back up to 1,500 and hope to go a little higher.

MGM is also expanding its restaurant hours and reopening top golf as they get back to full speed. Mayor Sarno added that this now completes Phase one of three that he has talked about with MGM. Part one of the plan was to reopen Indian Motorcycle and up next is Kringle Candle.