SPRINGFIELD -- Seven years after a tornado tore through the city, causing millions of dollars in damage, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Thursday that the opening of MGM Springfield's resort casino in less than 24 hours is the phoenix rising from the rubble.

Sarno was among many city and state officials and dignitaries who gathered with MGM officials and supporters in the resort's Aria Ballroom to celebrate Friday's opening of the $960 million resort. The opening culminates nearly seven years of planning, preparations and construction.

"To see from that rubble, to see from those ashes, a phoenix has risen," Sarno said. "And that phoenix is MGM. So come to Springfield. The red carpet is rolled out. You're going to have a clean, a safe and a fun time and we look forward to doing business with you for many, many more years to come."

Sarno was joined on the front stage by dignitaries including MGM Resorts CEO Jim Murren, MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis, Gov. Charlie Baker, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby.

The casino's grand opening is Friday at 11 a.m., which will immediately follow a 10:30 a.m. procession of MGM officials, workers and city officials, Clydesdale horses, surprise entertainment and a door-opening rush of visitors.

Thursday's event was attended by a few hundred community representatives and dignitaries, MGM officials and supporters and community partners.

Murren and others repeated the accomplishments promised in the host community agreement signed with the city five years ago: 3,000 jobs including local employment and a diverse workforce, millions of dollars in revenues for the city, state and vendors, and strong economic development. They noted the special care taken to honor and preserve much of the city's history.

The project sought to reflect the city's resiliency, spirit and strength, Murren said.

Before and after the speeches, the audience was entertained by two world-known performance groups -- Blue Man Group and Jabbawockeez.

"We're bringing all that entertainment back. We're a little bigger than them," Murren said, taking a shot at a competitor casino in Connecticut, Mohegan Sun.

Murren likened the MGM staff to a baseball team.

"We did all our training, we know the game plan," Murren said. "We've done this before. We've played other games. We know how it's going to play out. We're going to open doors and we are going to see people rush in with a sense of wonder, excitement."

Mathis said the project is the culmination of years of dedication by many people.

"It is the result of literally millions of hours of inspired work by designers, engineers, and skilled trades men and women," Mathis said.

Their work is now elevated by the "enthusiastic hospitality offered at the hands of 3,000 MGM Springfield employees who now breathe life into this incredible building," Mathis said.

"It has always been our goal to honor, reflect and inspire the spirit of Springfield," Mathis said. "How do you guys think we did?"

The comment was followed by cheers and applause.

Baker and Neal joined in praising the project for its incorporation of Springfield's history into the design. Baker called it "incredibly Springfield-centric."

Crosby said the Gaming Commission is proud to have selected MGM as the sole Western Massachusetts resort casino.

"We're hopeful that MGM Springfield will serve as a national model for future urban mixed-use casino development," Crosby said. "After seven long years, I say it's about time to party."

The goal of the MGM project under the gaming law of 2011 always included the creation of jobs and generation of new revenues, as well as to spur economic growth and redevelopment, Crosby said.

"MGM Springfield is clearly meeting and exceeding this highest aspiration as we see it anchoring the rebirth of this historic city," Crosby said.

MGM is also meeting and exceeding other critical objectives set by the city and state including integration with the region's history and culture, collaboration with other amenities and attractions in the region, ready access to nongambling activities on site, mitigation of traffic, and workforce and vendor diversity, Crosby said.

Ethyl Griffin, a resident and longtime advocate for the MGM Springfield project, was among the speakers, saying she is "so excited" about the opening.

"This is a special time for Springfield and people all over the state of Massachusetts and beyond," Griffin said. "It has been exciting to watch the building go up ... jobs being created."

She cited the various aspects of the project including jobs and diversity, and the hotel, dining and entertainment.

"This is what was promised and MGM, they are living up to their promise," Griffin said. "This is a great project. Invite all your friends and everyone to come down."