MGM Resorts International is hosting what it calls a construction information session as it prepares to move forward with an $800 million casino in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.

Company officials are promising an update on design and a projected construction timeline for the casino at Thursday's event. They have previously said they hoped to secure the necessary permits and break ground by early next year, with a goal of opening for business in 2017.

The state gaming commission awarded MGM the sole western Massachusetts resort casino license allowed under the state's expanded gambling law.

The project is slated for a 14.5 acre parcel that was heavily damaged in a 2011 tornado.

MGM says the information session will also discuss construction jobs and the city's policies on minority contractors and vendors.