Big E Casino Announcement Scheduled

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Officials with the Eastern States Exposition have struck a deal with Hard Rock International to pursue a resort casino development on the fairgrounds in West  Springfield.  According to informed sources the project on the 175 acre property would include a hotel, retail stores and an outdoor concert venue.   Brian Griffin, vice chair of the  town council, believes the project can overcome  what he predicts will be initial resistance on the part of townspeople.

The Big E casino proposal would compete with two casino projects in Springfield and one in Palmer for the lone casino license authorized by state law in western Massachusetts.