As it continues construction on its $950 million MGM Springfield project in central Massachusetts, American casino operator MGM Resorts International is reportedly in negotiations to take on a role in the running of the nearby MassMutual Center.

According to a report from public radio broadcaster WAMC, MGM Springfield is set to open by the autumn of 2018 offering some 3,000 slots alongside 75 gaming tables but it will not have convention facilities or a concert arena.

WAMC reported that officials from Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International met with counterparts from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority on Thursday as part of a tour of the MGM Springfield construction site to discuss a role in the running of the state-owned convention and events area, which is located just one block from the coming casino.

“[MGM Resorts International has] a national, if not international network of selling,” David Gibbons, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, told local television broadcaster WWLP. “Our sales team here is very local so [MGM Resorts International] gets a scale on that. I think today you saw where the bar’s going to be here in Springfield.”

Mike Mathis, President and Chief Operating Officer for MGM Springfield, told WAMC that he hopes to utilize his team’s marketing expertise to bring sporting events, concerts and convention business to the 8,000-seat MassMutual Center with the final details of any deal still yet to be worked out.

“We really think of this as a campus approach,” Mathis told the broadcaster. “The MassMutual Center is our convention center and our arena.”

Regarding progress on its MGM Springfield development, Mathis explained that the parking garage is set to be the first building to be completed with most major construction due to be finished by the end of 2017.

“The garage is going up very quickly [and] we’re starting to erect our casino and laying down deck for the hotel,” Mathis told WWLP. “We’re starting to really make good progress and entering this winter we think we’re really in a good position to hit our September of 2018 opening.”