The only reason to go to Springfield is the Big E. Or the various events held at those facilities when the Eastern States Exposition is not running
My wife and daughter attend dog shows there regularly.
The last time I went with her I said I would only go IF we stayed at the relatively new MGM hotel.
The only other things in town are the basketball hall of Fame and Six Flags just south of there
Springfield for retirement…OMG
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The MGM parking lot has a history of crime—you can do a web search for a variety of articles.
I visited the casino when it first opened—and never went back—not at all what I expected from MGM.
The Big E/ESE is technically in West Springfield, however it suffers form the proximity to Spfld in some areas, but is is not nearly as bad.
The MGM/MassMutual center is fine. I’ve been to plenty of AHL Thunderbirds games and never had any issues parking in the MGM garage and walking to the game and back. If you want stay in Spfld you have a Hilton and Mariott near MGM which are is decent areas. Also a few north of the ESE along Rt5 near the I291 interchange that are in a good area.