The Constitution State celebrated the arrival of its inaugural Tesla retail location with a grand opening at the Mohegan Sun casino and resort. This event signaled the beginning of a new age for electric cars in the area, as the initial Tesla purchasers in Connecticut took possession of their vehicles at the Mohegan Sun site.
The Mohegan Tribe, proprietor and operator of the Mohegan Sun, collaborated with Tesla to bring the dealership to fruition. This joint effort represents a significant stride toward adopting emission-free vehicles in Connecticut. The showroom, which doubles as a handover center, formally commenced operations on December 20, 2023, with a ceremony attended by interested parties and enthusiastic Tesla customers.
This significant advancement was facilitated by the Mohegan Tribe’s sovereign nation status, which affords them autonomous legal and governance frameworks. Establishing this sales and delivery hub within the Mohegan Sun retail complex aligns with their dedication to promoting clean air programs and enhancing resident well-being. The alliance also encompasses intentions to augment charging facilities in the vicinity.
Jeff Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Mohegan Sun, conveyed his excitement, remarking, “The integration of a Tesla electric vehicle showroom with comprehensive sales, maintenance, and delivery services at our 5.5 million square-foot destination represents another milestone in our ongoing quest to deliver unmatched experiences. This new collaboration also enables us to implement substantial enhancements to our current electric vehicle charging stations, providing improved accessibility and greater ease for guests and visitors across our region.”
The Tesla retail location welcomes customers from 10 in the morning until 7 in the evening, Sunday to Thursday, with later closing times of 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Potential buyers can stop by to explore Tesla’s vehicle selection and arrange trial drives for popular options such as the 3, Y, S, or X.
In a bid to simplify the transition to electric vehicles, Mohegan Sun Casino and Tesla have joined forces. Anticipated by spring 2024, they are installing 60 Tesla charging points at the casino, with the intention of adding more as demand dictates. The objective is to establish Mohegan Sun as the state’s premier location for EV charging.
These efforts are integrated into Mohegan Sun’s broader strategy to enhance its environmental sustainability and diversify its offerings. The casino recently reported positive financial performance, demonstrating growth across all areas, particularly within its online gaming division. This follows the April 2023 hiring of David Fausel as the resort’s advertising head, who is poised to contribute to the promotion of the new Tesla showroom and charging station project.