It will be the first full-scale casino in Massachusetts.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - We have less than a week to go, before the grand opening of MGM Springfield.

It will be the first full-scale casino in Massachusetts. The $960,000,000 casino includes a 250-room hotel, and 125,000 square feet of gaming space.

Thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Springfield for opening day next Friday. There will be a procession down Main Street that morning, to kick-off opening day.

There will also be a lot of traffic in downtown Springfield. MassDOT is warning drivers to expect delays.

We have a full list of road closures and parking bans on our website here.

Finding a parking space won't be easy on opening day even with the 3,400 space parking garage.

MGM is encouraging casino-goers to park for free at the Big E, then ride the shuttle to the casino. Drivers are being told to park at Gate 9 at the Big E. 

The shuttle will run every 5 to 10 minutes, starting at 6 a.m. Friday morning. 

"We've been working with mgm for quite some time preparing for opening day. Here at the Exposition we have a large parking facility. and our staff and parkers here on the grounds," said Eastern State Exposition Director of Operations, Gerard Kiernan. "We are experts at parking and it's going to work out quite well." 

MGM said visitors can also take the new public transportation service called "The Loop,' from Union Station to the casino.

MGM Springfield will officially open their doors, at 11 a.m. Friday morning. 

And MGM Springfield has released its menus, for the South End Market.

The South End Market features 6 different restaurants, all of a different variety.

And the state's Gaming Commission is reminding residents, of the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program.

The Program allows anyone to exclude themselves from the gaming floor, of all casinos in Massachusetts.

Any person on the exclusion list who's seen on the gaming floor will be escorted from the area, and must forfeit any money they made.

Researchers say the program can help a person struggling to control their gambling addiction.

To find out how to sign up for the program click here.

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/mgm-springfield-opening-less-than-a-week-away/1379853325