SPRINGFIELD – The number to remember when it comes to MGM Springfield’s reopening is “one-third:” there will be one-third of the employees, one third of the table games and one-third of the slot machines when the casino opens on July 13.

The reduction is due to the many steps MGM has made to fulfill its company safety plan and the requirements of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC).

Chris Kelley, the new president of MGM Springfield, said the casino “is focused on reopening the right way…we’re not going to rush this.”

The health and safety of customers and staff is “in the center of what we do,” Kelley said.

The future – how customers will respond and will they come back in numbers to begin making up for the losses of the last few months – is a subject none of the officials participating in the tour was willing to address.

“This has been our industry’s biggest challenge we’ve ever faced,” Seth Stratton, vice president and general counsel, said.

Casino officials led members of the press on a tour of the casino on July 9 to highlight the steps taken to address the health issues posed by the pandemic.

There are hand-washing stations throughout the gaming floor and slot machines have either been removed or shut down in order to establish social distancing.

 A rule that masks are to be worn unless someone is eating or drinking will be enforced, Stratton noted.

In Tap, the casino sports bar, there is a no contact, no touch system set up to get a table and order food as Vice President of Hospitality Abe Berry demonstrated. He noted the capacity inside the restaurant has decreased while the tables in the courtyard outdoors have increased.

Berry noted the bowling alley at Taps would remain closed at this time.

When asked about the casino’s movie theaters, Stratton said MGM has been in communications with Regal Cinemas about the company’s reopening plan and he said the cinema complex should be opening soon.

            The following are other details released by the casino:

• MGM Springfield’s hotel and spa will remain closed until a future date.
• To promote physical distancing, slot machines will be disabled to accommodate six feet between players; poker, roulette and craps will not be available in this first phase of reopening per MGC guidelines.
• Initially, dining options will be limited to Tap Sports Bar, South End Market and Costa’s pizza counter. Guests will utilize digital innovations such as QR codes for menus.
• Beverage service will be available on the casino floor and in connection with seated dining. To promote keeping the mask on, guests are not allowed to move around the casino floor with a drink; casino beverage service will be limited to those actively playing.
• Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time.

Stratton said that based on other MGM properties that have re-opened, there has been “good demand” from customers.

“We are optimistic folks are ready to come back to a safe environment,” he added.

Stratton said the casino management and the city are still in negotiations concerning some of the provisions of the Host Community Agreement because of the months of not generating any revenue.

Kelley lauded the city as a partner and emphasized, “Our focus today is on people not profits.”