MGM Resorts International said Friday will reopen its Ohio racetrack casino next week under limited capacity conditions imposed by state gaming regulators.
The reopening of MGM Northfield Park near Cleveland will take place Saturday. Other casinos in Ohio have scheduled reopenings on Friday, the first-day gaming can resume after a shutdown ordered by the state in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
MGM reopened its two casinos in Mississippi and several of its properties on the Las Vegas Strip earlier this month. The Las Vegas-based company closed its entire gaming portfolio – some two dozen properties in eight states – due to COVID-19.
“As with our other resort reopenings, health and safety remain a top priority in every phase of our plan,” said MGM Resorts acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle. “We look forward to providing a safe and fun environment for everyone to enjoy our gaming, restaurant, and horse racing amenities.”
MGM Northfield Park will reopen in a limited capacity to the public at noon. A hosted, invitation-only event will take place ahead of the public reopening.
Per Ohio Lottery Commission guidelines, a 50% capacity restriction will be enforced, video lottery terminal machines will be configured to allow for appropriate physical distancing, and valet parking will be temporarily discontinued. Complimentary self-parking will be available for guests. MGM Northfield normally operates 2,200 VLTs.
Limited offerings in this first stage of MGM Northfield Park’s reopening include just two restaurants – Concerto Italian Kitchen, TAP Sports Bar – and two bars. Live harness horse racing at the property’s racetrack will continue.
In May, MGM Resorts released its comprehensive protocols and procedures designed in conjunction with medical and scientific experts to deter the spread of the virus, protect customers and employees, and rapidly respond to potential new cases. The plan will be implemented at MGM Northfield Park.
“We are so happy to welcome back our MGM Northfield Park guests and employees,” Hornbuckle said.
In Mississippi, MGM Resorts reopened Gold Strike in Tunica in late May and Beau Rivage in Biloxi – the state’s largest casino-hotel – on June 1.
In Las Vegas, where MGM Resorts has 13 gaming and non-gaming properties, the company reopened Bellagio, MGM Grand Las Vegas, New York-New York, and the Signature Condominium towers on June 4. Excalibur reopened Thursday. The company said it would reopen Luxor and The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay Place on June 25.
A week later, the company will reopen Aria at CityCenter, Mandalay Bay and the Four Seasons Las Vegas, all on the morning of July 1.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgaming.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
