SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield jointly announced today a five-year partnership on the eve of the opening of MGM Springfield’s new $960 million entertainment complex currently being constructed in downtown Springfield.
“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to partner with and welcome MGM to the Birthplace of Basketball, Springfield, Massachusetts” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This is an exciting time for the City of Springfield and we look forward to maximizing our partnership with MGM’s iconic and internationally acclaimed brand for years to come.”
The initial partnership will feature the Hall of Fame and MGM Springfield collaboratively working to attract visitors to each property through perennial co-marketing opportunities. The partnership will also include appearances by Hall of Famers at MGM, use of the MGM Hotel for Hall of Fame VIP guests, Enshrinement Tickets in Springfield, and partnering on basketball-related community outreach. In addition, MGM will become an annual supporting sponsor of Hoophall Classic, the top nationally ranked high school basketball showcase played each January at Springfield College. As the partnership evolves in the coming years, both parties hope to identify additional opportunities for partnership extension and potential for event creation.
“Through this unique new partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, we’re bringing together some of the best that Springfield has to offer and working collaboratively to enhance the profile of downtown,” said Sarah Moore, Vice President of Brand Marketing, MGM Springfield. “With the help of community partners like the Hall of Fame and others our city is coming together with one goal in mind, and that’s for Springfield to win its moment in the spotlight as a memorable travel destination.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno echoed this by saying, “Springfield is the City of Firsts, and perhaps our best known ‘first’ is the game of basketball. It is only fitting that world-renown MGM and the one and only in the world Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will work together to cross promote and help establish our city as a destination for entertainment and sports enthusiasts alike. This is truly an exciting partnership.”
About MGM Springfield
MGM Springfield covers three city blocks in the heart of downtown Springfield, Mass. Igniting a cultural and economic renaissance in a historic New England city, the approximately 2 million square-foot development, which combines new construction with revived historic buildings, will offer more than 125,000 square feet of gaming space, a 250-room boutique hotel on Main Street and superior spa services, inspired dining and diverse retail. MGM Springfield also will feature a luxury cinema, high-energy bowling complex, a seasonal skating rink and outdoor marketplace displaying local art, events and talent. MGM Springfield is scheduled to open in Q3 2018. www.mgmspringfield.com
About the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was invented, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level – professional, collegiate and high school, for both men and women on the global stage.
For more information on the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame:
Visit us online: www.hoophall.com
… on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BBHOF
… on Twitter/Instagram: @hoophall
… or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA