Standing in the center of the new MGM Springfield casino for a press tour bordered on a surreal experience.

This used to be Bliss Street, I thought. The First Spiritualist Church was here and a VFW and parking lots.

They are history.

And MGM is now part of Springfield’s history.

I’ve still have not drunk as much of the Kool-Aid as some people have. I don’t see the casino as the city’s savoir.

After all I’m the guy when introduced to a certain member of the MGM Springfield management was greeted by the statement, “Oh yes, you get things right sometimes.”

Thank you so much.

And I’m the guy who was asked by another MGM official, “Why do you hate MGM?”

For the record – again – I never have hated MGM. It’s just been difficult for this jaded old reporter to jump on the casino bandwagon with wide eyes as some have.

I do live by the premise of “if things are too good to be true…”

I guess I’ve been redeemed in someone’s eyes, though, as I was invited to the VIP party. Thank you.

MGM is not the city’s savoir nor is it the ruin. I’ve run into people predicting the most dire of consequences. I think they will be proved wrong.

What I see are several things.

I see the fulfillment of promises made by MGM brass about the kind of casino we would have, a new model for an urban entertainment area. I can go to this casino and enjoy many of its entertainment offerings without worrying about gaming.

I know the new Regal Theaters will be my new default movie theaters as they are just about a mile from my house.

I see a casino complex like none other I’ve ever encountered. I readily admit it’s amazing.

I see the momentum for additional businesses to fill in vacant storefronts on Main Street near the casino – more service businesses, more restaurants.

I see a new market created for existing downtown businesses. There will be people who will discover some of my favorite city haunts, such as Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge.

I see the enormous potential for synergy for one of our biggest industries: tourism. Think about it for a moment: MGM Springfield, the Springfield Museums, the Basketball Hall of Fame and Six Flags are now all within a five to 10-minute drive to one another – all great attractions.

Now add the marijuana tourists we are going to get and that’s a pretty potent tourism package we are offering folks.

Dudes, we will have something for everyone. Smoke ‘em if you’ve got them.

I’m hoping that city and tourism officials in the region can cut deals to help one another and I hope to see a major and on-going marketing campaign to bring a wide array of people to the region.

With the return of union manufacturing jobs and increased transportation options to the north and south, Springfield and the region are teetering on the edge of reinvention. With increased tourism dollars and the growing perception the city and area are being renewed, this is the time for a concerted and coordinated push to bring the city to its next act.

What would you like to see?

In the meantime, MGM Springfield is an artistic success, and the delivery of promises. Check it out.