'I'm running into people left and right - 'hey mayor, hey Don, hey Sarno, I'm working at MGM' - or my family member, or my friend. I spoke with him after the press conference and he really emphasized how many jobs the casino would create. Sarno talked about the tornado that destroyed about a third of the city seven years ago, and he likened the opening of the casino to a phoenix rising from the ashes. One of them naturally was Springfield mayor Dominic Sarno, who sees today as a big victory. Their slogan on the walls and in their presentation was “Welcome to the Show.” And of course, the show also had to include a lot of politicians talking.

They wanted a big splash with this event. I really think that's sort of what MGM was going for. It opened with a performance by the Blue Man Group, which are those performers with the blue faces who drum on PVC pipes, and it ended with a dance performance from a group called the Jabberwockies, who are also regulars in Las Vegas. The following transcript has been edited for clarity.īarbara Howard: What was the vibe like at today's press conference?Ĭraig LeMoult: I'd say it wasn't like any other press conference I've ever been to. WGBH News reporter Craig LeMoult attended the opening and spoke with WGBH All Things Considered host Barbara Howard about it.

And MGM Springfield held its grand opening ceremony today. The state's first full casino is opening for business tomorrow.

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