Operator News
US – Mohegan Sun Massachusetts plans theme park casino
By Phil - 7 June 2013
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts has detailed some new features for its proposed resort casino in Palmer, Massachusetts, that will grow the project to nearly $1bn in total investment and will include a premier family-oriented water entertainment park and a second resort-style hotel.
The adventure-themed park and resort hotel will be developed by Boston-based Finard Properties, which has also partnered with Mohegan Sun to develop the project’s retail complex. It will consist of an indoor and outdoor water park that is connected to a 250-room hotel separate from the property’s main casino hotel. The outdoor portion of the adventure park will wind through the hills and valleys of the natural wooded terrain off Route 32 and provide a variety of activities for the entire family including kayaking and zip lining.
Mitchell Etess, Chief Executive of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said: “We’ve always said Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will be designed to attract visitors from all over New England and the Northeast, and deliver economic benefit to Western and Central Massachusetts and the entire Commonwealth. These exciting new features will allow us to do just that. Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will offer our guests a full array of entertainment and amenities and integrate exciting, family oriented attractions into the overall experience.”
The 70,000 square foot water park resort will complement Mohegan Sun’s planned world-class resort casino project, which includes gaming facilities, a casino hotel, a 300,000 sq. ft. dynamic retail development and other lifestyle amenities. Altogether the total planned investment in the project is now approaching $1bn.
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts’ project features include a full-service resort casino with 3,000 slot machines and 80 table games, a resort casino hotel with 300 rooms and 70,000 sq. ft. water park resort and hotel – a family-oriented water entertainment park with an adjoining 250-room hotel.
Todd Finard, Chief Executive of Finard Properties, added: “These exciting new additions to Mohegan Sun Massachusetts further illustrate why this project will be a true a regional destination – attracting thousands from across Massachusetts and the Northeast and having a significant impact on travel and tourism in the state. Mohegan Sun’s premier gaming and resort amenities, together with our first-rate entertainment, dining and fashion retail options and now the adventure-themed water park, will provide a memorable experience to visitors from all over.”
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts claims to have the strongest financial platform of any Western Massachusetts operator following its announcement of a strategic partnership with the $13bn New York investment advisor Brigade Capital Management earlier this year. The project will deliver thousands of jobs as well as vendor and other business opportunities to Western and Central Massachusetts.
“Mohegan Sun is known as New England’s premier casino gaming brand, and we have a strong track record of developing dynamic and entertaining destinations for our guests,” added Mr. Etess. “The combination of resort casino gaming and exciting nightlife, dining options and family-oriented entertainment is designed to draw new visitors, deliver jobs and vendor opportunities and generate maximum revenue for the Commonwealth.”
