Eight years ago, MGM Resorts made a significant bet on Springfield. We saw an opportunity to help energize downtown, bring new visitors to Western Massachusetts and create jobs, entertainment, restaurants and gathering places for the community. We invested $1 billion to make that vision a reality.
Today, MGM Springfield is part of the fabric of the city. Since opening, it has generated more than $700 million in taxes and payments to the Commonwealth, Springfield and surrounding communities, including $200 million to Springfield alone. We employ more than 1,600 people, nearly 40% of whom are Springfield residents, and have paid nearly $400 million in employee wages since opening.
