Michael Mathis used to drive through downtown Springfield to and from his New Jersey home and Dartmouth College, not knowing how Springfield would transform his career and life. Mathis is president and chief operating officer of MGM Springfield, the $960 million hotel-casino scheduled to open third quarter 2018.It’s the largest private investment in western Massachusetts’ […]
Michael Mathis used to drive through downtown Springfield to and from his New Jersey home and Dartmouth College, not knowing how Springfield would transform his career and life. Mathis is president and chief operating officer of MGM Springfield, the $960 million hotel-casino scheduled to open third quarter 2018.
It's the largest private investment in western Massachusetts' history, said Mathis, who's held the post since 2014. Previously, he was senior vice president of global gaming development for MGM Hospitality, a division of MGM Resorts, in Springfield during the casino's campaign and licensing phases. MGM expects to hire 3,000 employees, largely from greater Springfield, but also from Connecticut and beyond.
With the opening approaching, Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun planning a casino in East Windsor, and MGM proposing one in Bridgeport, we asked Mathis to ante up thoughts on the region's gambling scene.
What's the biggest challenge you face as president?
I am challenged and motivated by the expectation MGM will be a catalyst for a Springfield renaissance. It is exciting an MGM Resorts property will live and breathe on an actual Main Street, opening possibilities for further investment, while delivering world-class hospitality, entertainment and amenities.
What's the biggest challenge facing MGM Springfield?
MGM plans to employ thousands in a state that has never had a mixed-use gaming resort. We welcome the challenge to educate people about our industry and provide good-paying jobs in an area without steady employment for too long.
What's the biggest opportunity you face as president?
Ushering my industry into a new region in a way that dispels stereotypes and has a lasting positive economic impact.
What's the biggest opportunity facing MGM Springfield?
The opportunity to rebuild a historic urban center by highlighting its rich history, diverse culture and existing amenities, as well as lift up the community is amazing.
Describe the competitive landscape for gambling regionally and how it would change with an East Windsor casino?
MGM Springfield is well positioned to be a leader in New England's multibillion-dollar gaming market. We are confident our innovative design, expertise in marketing and strong brands will make our location the region's premier casino-resort destination.
If MGM Bridgeport were approved, how would that affect the competitive landscape?
The Bridgeport opportunity is designed to tap into the underserved New York City market. MGM's growing East Coast presence allows significant cross marketing and customer loyalty programming that gives us a competitive edge.
Tell us something about you many people don't know.
I studied Chinese in Beijing in the summer of 1991 as part of the first American class allowed in the country after the Tiananmen Square protests. I watched YouTube videos for a month to teach myself how to solve the Rubik's Cube.
