MGM Resorts, Penn National clarify casin...
 
Monday March 11, 2013
2:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hello everybody. I'm here at City Stage in downtown Springfield awaiting the presentations from Penn National Gaming and MGM Resorts International.
The 2 companies are supposed to be revealing their respective plans for traffic and entertainment, so it should be an interesting one.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:20 Robert Rizzuto
2:21
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hang tight and we should be starting shortly.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:21 Robert Rizzuto
2:30
Robert Rizzuto: 
People are still filing into City Stage and there is a solid crowd, considering this is in the middle of a work day.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:30 Robert Rizzuto
2:33
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Mayor Domenic Sarno kicks off the casino presentations at City Stage. pic.twitter.com/8QdOMeMLYd
Monday March 11, 2013 2:33 RRizzuto413
2:34
Robert Rizzuto: 
It looks like MGM will start the presentation and they get 15 minutes to discuss traffic before passing the baton to Penn National.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:34 Robert Rizzuto
2:37
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
In the lobby of City Stage, a look at MGM's artist renderings. pic.twitter.com/0T2u73Dxjq
Monday March 11, 2013 2:37 RRizzuto413
2:38
Robert Rizzuto: 
Jim Murren of MGM: Whoever the city chooses had to bring the best traffic plan, the most people to the city.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:38 Robert Rizzuto
2:40
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM's CFO says his company is reflecting on the city's "great days," such as the era when Springfield drew acts like the Grateful Dead, while crafting their proposal for the future.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:40 Robert Rizzuto
2:42
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Graph showing MGM's casino traffic forecast. pic.twitter.com/IJcfVLB95u
Monday March 11, 2013 2:42 RRizzuto413
2:42
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM's development officer is kicking-off the traffic plan breakdown.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:42 Robert Rizzuto
2:44
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM would have traffic exit its facility in 3 spots: Union,Howard and State streets.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:44 Robert Rizzuto
2:45
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM's traffic plan shows consideration for bicycles and pedestrians, including alink to the riverfront.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:45 Robert Rizzuto
2:45
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it also plans to kick off a trolley service and work with PVTA to link transportation hubs with casino.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:45 Robert Rizzuto
2:47
Robert Rizzuto: 
There seems to be a technical glitch with MGM's presentation.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:47 Robert Rizzuto
2:47
Robert Rizzuto: 
OK, it seems things are back on track.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:47 Robert Rizzuto
2:48
Robert Rizzuto: 
They are explaining their plans to monitor traffic on I-91 south with that info being transmitted to the lights at the intersection of Columbus and Union, mitigating potential traffic back-ups.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:48 Robert Rizzuto
2:50
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM pans to widen the lanes of several streets around the casino and re-line several others to re-design traffic in and out of the area around their property.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:50 Robert Rizzuto
2:51
Robert Rizzuto: 
A full breakdown of MGM and Penn National's traffic plans will be posted below this module momentarily, courtesy of The Republican's Greg Saulmon. I'll let you know when to refresh your window/tab.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:51 Robert Rizzuto
2:53
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National takes the stage and thanks its community partners. Among them are Peter Picknelly, Peter Pan Bus CEO and Herbie Flores of the New England Farm Workers Council.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:53 Robert Rizzuto
2:54
Robert Rizzuto: 
Yesterday, Penn National released new drawings of its casino proposal. Those can be seen here: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/penn_national_releases_new_ren.html
Monday March 11, 2013 2:54 Robert Rizzuto
2:55
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National Gaming pic.twitter.com/6qYYtRJWPq
Monday March 11, 2013 2:55 RRizzuto413
2:56
Robert Rizzuto: 
With Penn national's new artist renderings, they have focused much more on showing the ground level of their proposals.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:56 Robert Rizzuto
2:56
Robert Rizzuto: 
It looks like there are a number of outside patios and their riverfront development includes developing and maintaining a park behind the casino.
Monday March 11, 2013 2:56 Robert Rizzuto
2:57
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
New Penn National Gaming drawing showing outside cafes pic.twitter.com/RbAsXg82wL
Monday March 11, 2013 2:57 RRizzuto413
2:58
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says most of its traffic will be coming from i-91 and 291
Monday March 11, 2013 2:58 Robert Rizzuto
3:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National's driving simulator shows people taking 291 to Dwight and Congress to get to Main Street, which would be renamed "Hollywood Boulevard."
Monday March 11, 2013 3:02 Robert Rizzuto
3:04
Robert Rizzuto: 
Ok folks, refresh the tab or window that this chat is in so you can see the interactive Google Map showing traffic proposals from both companies. It was created by The Republican's Greg Saulmon.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:04 Robert Rizzuto
3:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: Union Station poses unique opportunity for our casino and the city.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:05 Robert Rizzuto
3:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
Note that Penn National has removed its proposed sky bridges to link Union Station to its casino amid concerns that pedestrian traffic was being funneled away from the rest of the city.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:05 Robert Rizzuto
3:07
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National says Main Street would be themed, well-lit and safe. pic.twitter.com/Ra4K2CB5SA
Monday March 11, 2013 3:07 RRizzuto413
3:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
That concludes the traffic plan proposals but check the city's casino information website now and MassLive.com later for further details.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:08 Robert Rizzuto
3:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
http://www3.springfield-ma.gov/planning/casino.html
Monday March 11, 2013 3:08 Robert Rizzuto
3:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
And on to the entertainment presentations.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:08 Robert Rizzuto
3:10
Robert Rizzuto: 
I take that back, it seems the panel will now question the casinos about their traffic mitigation presentations. Sorry about that :)
Monday March 11, 2013 3:10 Robert Rizzuto
3:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says that Friday rush hour coming into the city as others are leaving will include employees and gamblers, and not disrupt outbound traffic.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:11 Robert Rizzuto
3:14
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM asked about buses coming into site and where they would go, show graphic with them flowing from I-91 onto Union Street into separate area for buses in trucks.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:14 Robert Rizzuto
3:14
Robert Rizzuto: 
To exit, company says they come off Union Street and make their way back to 91 from Columbus Ave.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:14 Robert Rizzuto
3:15
Robert Rizzuto: 
Panel asks about pedestrian traffic on Main Street from State Street area where the courthouse is, and company says it has looked at the issue at length.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:15 Robert Rizzuto
3:16
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM is proposing pedestrian refuge island allowing them to cross one side of the street at a time.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:16 Robert Rizzuto
3:17
Robert Rizzuto: 
Some street parking on State Street by the courthouse would need to go, MGM says.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:17 Robert Rizzuto
3:18
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it's trolley system would work in conjunction with transportation hubs, such as Union Station.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:18 Robert Rizzuto
3:19
Robert Rizzuto: 
Panel says it is concerned about MGM's proposal to allow free parking for downtown, as it may "hurt Springfield parking Authority."
Monday March 11, 2013 3:19 Robert Rizzuto
3:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Bill Hornbuckle of MGM says potential losses from parking fees would be offset by other revenue streams from the casino.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:20 Robert Rizzuto
3:21
Robert Rizzuto: 
Any thoughts or questions from the readers out there? Feel free to type them below and I'll do my best to publish/answer them.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:21 Robert Rizzuto
3:22
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National, in its first question from the panel, says it will be one of the city parking authority's best customers.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:22 Robert Rizzuto
3:23
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both companies say there will be ample parking during development and construction of their respective casinos.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:23 Robert Rizzuto
3:24
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
The proposed new offices of The Republican and MassLive in Tower Square courtesy of Penn National Gaming. pic.twitter.com/qgGNRZDYnZ
Monday March 11, 2013 3:24 RRizzuto413
3:26
Robert Rizzuto: 
Panel: What I'm hearing is that neither project thinks there will be any traffic mitigation improvements needed outside of the city of Springfield?
Monday March 11, 2013 3:26 Robert Rizzuto
3:27
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both companies concur with the assertion, as their traffic plans involve little to no changes outside the area immediately around the respective sites.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:27 Robert Rizzuto
3:28
Robert Rizzuto: 
Neither casino company seems eager to touch the looming I-91 debacle, as the state says it will need a $400 million makeover in the coming years- http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/massachusetts_transportation_c.html
Monday March 11, 2013 3:28 Robert Rizzuto
3:29
Robert Rizzuto: 
However, both companies say they will work with Mass. Dept. of Transportation to address any concerns that arise.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:29 Robert Rizzuto
3:29
[Comment From Christine A.Christine A.: ] 
Did I hear right that Penn would direct traffic off 91S onto Exit 11 Bernie Ave? I get off that exit for work and that is a pretty tricky and narrow road with cars having difficulty turning onto it already from its side streets
Monday March 11, 2013 3:29 Christine A.
3:31
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hi Christine, I'm looking into that one for you. So stay tuned here.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:31 Robert Rizzuto
3:33
Robert Rizzuto: 
Representative of owner/operator of MassMutual Center is on the panel.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:33 Robert Rizzuto
3:34
Robert Rizzuto: 
He says his one traffic question relates to addressing traffic and parking issues with events at the MassMutual center.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:34 Robert Rizzuto
3:35
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it would work with the venue to offer parking to the venue's patrons.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:35 Robert Rizzuto
3:35
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says that the relocation of The Republican newspaper to Tower Square wouldn't impact parking at the MassMutual Center.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:35 Robert Rizzuto
3:36
Robert Rizzuto: 
That is the newspaper's staff as the production facility would be constructed off I-291, according to their plans.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:36 Robert Rizzuto
3:36
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
(One more time - I apologize for the continued faulty questions) Im not an expert, but Im willing to bet that the I91 rebuild will cost FAR more than 400million and will take FAR longer than 3-5 years. It's disappointing that neither are touching on the single biggest issue here.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:36 Guest
3:37
Robert Rizzuto: 
Guest, we have all pressed return before we are finished typing. I agree that a project will end up costing much more than initially projected considering economic trends and the ever-increasing cost of materials.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:37 Robert Rizzuto
3:41
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National and MGM say they plan to fast-track some aspects of construction to mitigate an impact to traffic and pedestrians.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:41 Robert Rizzuto
3:42
Robert Rizzuto: 
And they are taking a 5 minute break to stretch before coming back to the entertainment pitches.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:42 Robert Rizzuto
3:43
Robert Rizzuto: 
And back to Christine A., I'm not seeing any plan in Penn National's proposal to steer traffic to Birnie Ave. Their traffic study is here: http://www3.springfield-ma.gov/planning/fileadmin/Planning_files/casino/proposals/penn/Exhibit_1-g_Traffic_Evaluation_12-28-2012.pdf
Monday March 11, 2013 3:43 Robert Rizzuto
3:43
[Comment From Christine A.Christine A.: ] 
The written plan posted below doesn't mention Exit 11 so maybe that was wrong.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:43 Christine A.
3:44
Robert Rizzuto: 
No problem. There is a lot of information coming at a fast pace so we are all playing catch up to a degree. Thanks for the question though.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:44 Robert Rizzuto
3:46
Robert Rizzuto: 
It is noteworthy that all 4 casino companies aiming to land the Western Mass. gaming license are sponsoring parts of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Holyoke. http://www.masslive.com/st-patricks-day/index.ssf/2013/03/casino_companies_us_senate_can.html
Monday March 11, 2013 3:46 Robert Rizzuto
3:46
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Thanks Mr. Rizzuto.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:46 Guest
3:47
Robert Rizzuto: 
No problem, I really like doing these live chats.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:47 Robert Rizzuto
3:52
Robert Rizzuto: 
And the companies are making their way back to the stage for Round 2. Let's talk about entertainment.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:52 Robert Rizzuto
3:53
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National taking the stage
Monday March 11, 2013 3:53 Robert Rizzuto
3:54
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National to talk dining and tourism in addition to entertainment. pic.twitter.com/EQfQxXRGCV
Monday March 11, 2013 3:54 RRizzuto413
3:55
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: The key is bring them in and then showcase everything he area has to offer.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:55 Robert Rizzuto
3:55
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National touting that it operates in many American cities that share size, demographics of Springfield.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:55 Robert Rizzuto
3:57
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: We won't cannibalize existing business.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:57 Robert Rizzuto
3:58
Robert Rizzuto: 
Company says it signed a memo of understanding that it isn't going to compete with City Stage or Symphony Hall. Says it has a meeting scheduled with heads of the MassMutual Center.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:58 Robert Rizzuto
3:58
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National is talking up it's proposal to renovate the Paramount Theater. That story is here: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/penn_national_gaming_signs_agr.html
Monday March 11, 2013 3:58 Robert Rizzuto
3:59
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National invites developer and real estate mogul Herbie Flores to the stage to talk about the partnership and outreach to the Latino community for entertainment.
Monday March 11, 2013 3:59 Robert Rizzuto
4:00
Robert Rizzuto: 
Flores: Most important this is that we need more venues.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:00 Robert Rizzuto
4:01
Robert Rizzuto: 
Flores draws applause from the crowd, as he is well known in the community.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:01 Robert Rizzuto
4:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says types of acts include Lenny Kravitz, Boston, Pat Benatar, Incubus, BB King.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:02 Robert Rizzuto
4:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
They say no agreements have been signed, but said they can draw "those types of acts"
Monday March 11, 2013 4:02 Robert Rizzuto
4:03
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says it would bring Davio's Italian steakhouse, a Sports Bar from Doug Flutie and Ole Mexican, which is based out of Cambridge.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:03 Robert Rizzuto
4:04
Robert Rizzuto: 
The outdoor cafe seating in the earlier picture I posted belongs to Penn National's Mexican offering, Ole Mexican.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:04 Robert Rizzuto
4:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
They say they would also include the Student Prince, First and Last Tavern, b. good burgers and Dunkin Donuts in the food court.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:05 Robert Rizzuto
4:06
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National says it would partner with businesses around the region on joint tourism strategies. pic.twitter.com/JwJEDkGKDM
Monday March 11, 2013 4:06 RRizzuto413
4:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: Peter Pan bus customers will be exposed to promotional videos about casino and Springfield. Would extend that to Greyhound Bus system nationwide, thanks to Picknelly's relationship with that company.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:08 Robert Rizzuto
4:09
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National says it wants to use the new Union Station to funnel more people into downtown and casino. pic.twitter.com/rUwEUKqK6S
Monday March 11, 2013 4:09 RRizzuto413
4:10
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says its trolley service will bring patrons to other city attractions, such as the museums and the Basketball Hall Of Fame. Company says people ar emore likely to return if they see the city as a whole is a cool place to visit.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:10 Robert Rizzuto
4:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says it would market contests and sweepstakes to raise awareness of casino and Springfield area's offerings.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:13 Robert Rizzuto
4:15
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National has concluded and yielded the stage to MGM.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:15 Robert Rizzuto
4:16
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM'sCFO: Entertainment is in our DNA. We want to link Springfield's rich heritage with our own.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:16 Robert Rizzuto
4:19
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM says that it is still as important to draw the a-list for entertainment as it was in the company's early days. pic.twitter.com/q7CGkPFk3B
Monday March 11, 2013 4:19 RRizzuto413
4:19
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM showing the Tyson V. Holyfield fight at MGM Grand from the 90s. Awesome fight that ended with the bite felt around the world.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:19 Robert Rizzuto
4:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Off topic, but I'm a huge Tyson fan.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:20 Robert Rizzuto
4:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Anyway, MGM is citing events like that and a time when Elvis came to Springfield, are of the same caliber of the events they would bring.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:20 Robert Rizzuto
4:21
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: We can bring back any acts to the city because of the relationships that are unique to us.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:21 Robert Rizzuto
4:22
[Comment From GinaGina: ] 
I may have missed this but has there been any mention of employing local talent for entertainment venues in the casinos?
Monday March 11, 2013 4:22 Gina
4:23
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hi Gina, no one has mentioned it yet but I'm fairly sure both companies do employ local talent at their other casinos.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:23 Robert Rizzuto
4:23
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM talking about the acts that Mohegan Sun is drawing in Connecticut, saying that they are the only company that can compete.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:23 Robert Rizzuto
4:24
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says his company can break the stranglehold the CT casinos have on the Springfield entertainment market through a relationship with LiveNation.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:24 Robert Rizzuto
4:27
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM says it wants to link Springfield entertainment options with its casino at the epicenter. pic.twitter.com/jB6xiSS4BO
Monday March 11, 2013 4:27 RRizzuto413
4:29
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: Accompany high-end movie theaters with high-end bowling on site and sponsor 12 shows annually to benefit other city venues, like Symphony Hall and the MassMutual Center.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:29 Robert Rizzuto
4:32
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM cites bringing in rapper Pitbull and the professional bull riders to the MassMutual Center and Boys II Men to Symphony Hall are examples of what they offer.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:32 Robert Rizzuto
4:32
Robert Rizzuto: 
While i haven't heard about Boys II Men coming to Springfield, the story on Pitbull and the bull riders is here: http://www.masslive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/03/rapper_pitbull_professional_bu.html
Monday March 11, 2013 4:32 Robert Rizzuto
4:33
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it sent out 40k emails yesterday promoting the Pitbull show in Springfield, selling hundreds of tickets.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:33 Robert Rizzuto
4:34
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it is exceeding the criteria set by the state gaming commission with their proposal.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:34 Robert Rizzuto
4:36
Robert Rizzuto: 
It says that it has comprehensive plans to drive tourism, support existing meetings and conferences, broad marketing reach, leadership in driving international business and utilize an innovative design.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:36 Robert Rizzuto
4:38
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM cites The Boston Globe's endorsement of the project. It is noteworthy that The Republican has declined to chime in on the casino debate from an editorial perspective since the parent company entered an agreement with Penn National to sell the property should they get the license.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:38 Robert Rizzuto
4:39
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM's promotional video for entertainment has testimonials from several entertainment moguls.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:39 Robert Rizzuto
4:40
Robert Rizzuto: 
The company boasts acts like The Rolling Stones and Barbara Streisand in the testimonials.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:40 Robert Rizzuto
4:41
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: Entertainment is one subject we absolutely know how to do.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:41 Robert Rizzuto
4:43
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both casino companies say that at other locations, they partner with convention & visitor bureaus.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:43 Robert Rizzuto
4:44
Robert Rizzuto: 
When asked if they will use a point-earning incentive to send patrons to surrounding businesses, both companies essay they would employ such a strategy to some degree.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:44 Robert Rizzuto
4:45
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: We will not have on-site entertainment offerings. Plan on utilizing our relationship with Herbie Flores at the Paramount.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:45 Robert Rizzuto
4:46
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: In terms of entertainment, we will do some free stuff in the entertainment plaza. When it comes to the 12 shows we would sponsor, we would help promote those and any other relevant shows that come to town.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:46 Robert Rizzuto
4:47
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National clarifies: We have a lounge planned for the center of the casino, but no entertainment venue.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:47 Robert Rizzuto
4:50
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: Don't just take it based on our word, reach out to the tourism bureaus and mayors in communities we operate to see what our reputation is.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:50 Robert Rizzuto
4:51
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: This is who we are. There is no one we can't get. We are the only company that can say that. How can we get these a-list acts back to Springfield? We'll demand it.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:51 Robert Rizzuto
4:52
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says they would hinge performing in Springfield with landing a gig at one of their large venues.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:52 Robert Rizzuto
4:53
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: Ask the agents of any act who is number one, our name will come up every time.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:53 Robert Rizzuto
4:56
Monday March 11, 2013 4:56 
4:56
Robert Rizzuto: 
There is a look at the stage from above, courtesy of staff photographer Dave Roback.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:56 Robert Rizzuto
4:59
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says Penn National has done amazing job with regional casinos and but they have a reputation for international entertainment. MGM says that with an $8 million investment, if a company doesn't draw people from the surrounding states, the project simply won't help Springfield in the way people are hoping.
Monday March 11, 2013 4:59 Robert Rizzuto
5:00
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National touted building relationships with the other local venues and helping promote them as a way to counter the challenge of bringing people to the city again and again.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:00 Robert Rizzuto
5:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: Unless state makes foolish judgment, a casino, whether it be us or MGM, will come to downtown Springfield because that's where it belongs.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:02 Robert Rizzuto
5:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both companies warn of a casino elsewhere in Western Mass. sucking down the city even further.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:02 Robert Rizzuto
5:03
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Then why was Penn looking at Westfield for so long?
Monday March 11, 2013 5:03 Guest
5:04
Robert Rizzuto: 
All the casino companies looked at a lot of sites before choosing the ones they settled on. Look at Hard Rock's journey through this process as an example.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:04 Robert Rizzuto
5:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
Peter Picknelly: Our company runs people in and out of major cities in the region every hour. He says 1/2 million people a year come to the city by bus and those people will be marketed to about the casino and Western Mass. attractions.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:05 Robert Rizzuto
5:07
Robert Rizzuto: 
And it seems the presentations have come to an end.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:07 Robert Rizzuto
5:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both companies are supposed to meet with the city tomorrow to hammer out details of a host community agreement and both companies will meet with the council at their meeting Tuesday.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:08 Robert Rizzuto
5:10
Robert Rizzuto: 
Thank you to the readers who joined us today and to our news partner CBS-3 Springfield for providing the video stream as a public service. Stick with MassLive, The Republican and CBS-3 Springfield for the latest on the casino issues as the process progresses.
Monday March 11, 2013 5:10 Robert Rizzuto
5:10
[Comment From GuestGuest: ] 
Good job Robert!
Monday March 11, 2013 5:10 Guest
5:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
Thank you very much. Have a great day everybody and know we will be covering this process thoroughly through the end. ~Robert Rizzuto
Monday March 11, 2013 5:11 Robert Rizzuto
5:13
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Thanks to @cbs3springfield for providing the livestream. Tune in at 4,6 & 11 & check masslive.com for more. pic.twitter.com/I0ZTMOCT8Y
Monday March 11, 2013 5:13 RRizzuto413
5:14
 

 
 
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