Over the past decade, the plot of land in Prince George's County has been built up with thousands of hotel rooms, convention space, restaurants, an outlet mall and even a Ferris wheel.
MGM's 'destination' business model will benefit from the casino's location in the fast-growing retail and entertainment center of National Harbor, Pollock said.
'What it means in the minds of the consumer is entertainment, fun, a quality experience,' Pollock said. Resort visitors tend to stay longer and may or may not be focused on gaming, he said.īilled as a 'Las Vegas-style' casino, MGM National Harbor will include shops, restaurants and a 3,000-seat theater that, in its opening months, will attract acts including Bruno Mars, Cher, Sting, Boyz II Men and comedian Jim Gaffigan. Unlike some other casino business models, MGM traditionally goes for grand, resort-style casinos, where gambling is just one of the attractions, Pollock said. 'This would be a different bucket in terms of a consumer audience.' And there are students,' said Robin McClain, vice president of marketing and communications for the Destination DC marketing organization.
'We know families like to come - and people who like to learn about history. Tourism officials hope the casino attracts more foreign visitors to the area and perhaps a new category of visitor.
