National Harbor – Before summer, the MGM stamp will hang atop the mammoth building under construction on the banks of the Potomac River in Prince Georgeโ€™s County โ€” a sign that the regionโ€™s newest entertainment venue will soon open for business.

MGM says work on the $1.3-billion MGM National Harbor casino resort is on pace for a year-end opening, months after the August deadline set in a deal with the stateโ€™s gaming commission.

MGM had originally committed to a July debut, but company officials say that target date was unrealistic given the magnitude of the project.