Casino operator MGM is bidding for a contract with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to manage the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
MGM is building a $950 million casino just a block away from the state-owned convention center and sports arena in downtown Springfield.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said he is pleased MGM has put in a bid to operate the civic center.
" When you have MGM, which is a world-class entertainment entity, I am not surprised they made a pitch for it," said Sarno.
MGM previously signed an agreement with the city to book a minimum of a dozen shows a year spread among the MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall, and CityStage in order to help those venues and attract more visitors to downtown Springfield.
