MGM bids to operate arena in Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — MGM wants to operate a state-owned arena and convention center near its planned $950 million downtown Springfield casino.

The Las Vegas-based company announced Thursday it’s bidding for the five year contract to operate the MassMutual Center.

It’s proposing a jointly operated facility in which MGM serves as the venue management company while Spectra, the current operator, provides food and beverage services.

The partnership could be in place as soon as July 1 and would require a six-month transition phase, MGM says.

MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis says the company would bring “high quality entertainment” acts and re-invest in the former Springfield Civic Center, which the state Convention Center Authority owns.

MGM hopes to open a casino, hotel and entertainment complex a block away from the arena in late 2018.