Memorial Day is the traditional unofficial start to summer, and Atlantic City is gearing up for the 2022 travel season, as its casinos prepare to welcome tourists to the seaside resort this weekend.
The transformation of Atlantic City continues, thanks to citywide redevelopment projects, as well as major capital investments from the Atlantic City casino industry.
“We are excited to kick off a strong summer season this Memorial Day Weekend, welcoming visitors to enjoy all our city has to offer, from premier gaming to first-class dining and entertainment,” Joe Lupo, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said. “The casino industry is committed to the future of Atlantic City, and, through our combined efforts, we are revitalizing this beautiful destination resort.”
Collectively, Atlantic City casinos have invested approximately $1 billion into the marketplace over the past several years. The properties continue to diversify Atlantic City’s offerings, as well as invest hundreds of millions of dollars in redevelopment projects and amenities to attract new visitors.
“The Atlantic City casino industry is vital to South Jersey’s economy,” Christina Renna, CEO and president of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, said. “As we continue to rebuild and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry’s growth and prosperity is more important than ever before. We look forward to an even stronger summer season here in South Jersey, to further stimulate our local and regional economies.”
Key redevelopment projects that are underway and are contributing to the ongoing transformation of the resort destination include:
- Stockton University broke ground on Phase II of the Atlantic City Campus, which will feature a residential dormitory expansion. The project is set for completion in 2023. More students living in Atlantic City has proven to diversify and strengthen the local economy.
- AtlantiCare is building a new Medical Arts Pavilion in Atlantic City. The $38.3 million, three-story, 69,700-square-foot facility is anticipated to open this fall, increasing access to health care for the community.
- The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority approved an $18.7 million fund to construct a new ShopRite supermarket in Atlantic City. The store will ensure that Atlantic City is no longer a food desert and will provide area residents with high-quality and affordable grocery options.
- The Chelsea Economic Development Corp.‘s partnership with residents, businesses and community organizations is activating projects, including homebuying grants and capital grants for small businesses, to expand economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in the Chelsea neighborhood of Atlantic City.
- Atlantic Cape Community College is opening a Wind Training Center on its city campus this fall, funded by a nearly $3 million New Jersey Offshore Wind Safety Training Challenge Grant awarded to the college in July 2021. Construction began in the winter. Separately, wind developer Ørsted hopes to start work on a maintenance and operations center in Atlantic City to support its offshore wind projects in the area.
From the Boardwalk to the beach, and casino resorts, Atlantic City is a top destination for tourists this summer. Atlantic City is home to the 113th NAACP National Convention this July and the Atlantic City Airshow, “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” will return on Aug. 24.
Additionally, there are new restaurants, world-class entertainment, experiences and events for visitors to enjoy throughout the season, including:
- Bally’s Atlantic City: The grand opening of the all-new Bally’s features 750 newly renovated rooms including suites and penthouses; new slots; a new hotel lobby; Carousel Bar, a 360-degree rotating bar; and the Yard – Beers, Eats & Beats.
- Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa: Borgata is kicking off the summer season by opening the Beer Garden and Outdoor Pool on Friday. Guests can lounge poolside and enjoy refreshing cocktails and delicious snacks while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. As the sun goes down, the Beer Garden heats up with an eclectic variety of beers and bites.
- Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City: Caesars Atlantic City will partner with acclaimed Chef Gordon Ramsay to open the East Coast’s first Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen restaurant; global lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality to bring the region’s first Nobu Atlantic City, a restaurant and hotel within Caesars; and show producer Spiegelworld to introduce a brand-new residency arriving in 2023. Most recently, the resort unveiled enhanced rooms and suites offering guests spectacular views and fresh and airy modern designs inspired by the beach.
- Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City will open Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, one of the brand’s first East Coast locations this summer. The restaurant will mark Flay’s return to the Atlantic City market, offering guests throughout the tri-state area and beyond the opportunity to indulge in traditional and unique burgers, fries and shakes. Additionally, Harrah’s Resort recently debuted renovated rooms and suites in its Atrium Tower infused with rich elements that are fun, lively and vibrant.
- Tropicana Atlantic City will debut eight of the 14 new dining and entertainment concepts coming to Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City’s resorts, starting with the recently opened Wild Honey Smokehouse and Tavern, followed by Ossu Japanese Tavern, Purple Zebra Daiquiri Bar and Hash House A Go Go.
- Golden Nugget Atlantic City: Deck Music Festivals will make their return this summer at Golden Nugget Atlantic City’s Deck, featuring Hell’s Belles (June 9), Fakefest (June 23-26), British Invasion (July 16) and Deckstock (Aug. 13). Golden Nugget also recently opened Signature Liquors, serving as a one-stop shop with a variety of liquor selections to meet all our customers’ liquor needs.
- Hard Rock Atlantic City: Experience Beyond Van Gogh only at Hard Rock Atlantic City this summer from July 8 through Aug. 28. Occupying over 30,000 square feet, Beyond Van Gogh breathes new life into over 300 of Van Gogh’s artworks. Hard Rock Atlantic City is also the place to be for entertainment with headliner acts including Lionel Richie (June 24), Andrea Bocelli (June 25), the Chainsmokers (July 1), New Kids on the Block (July 3), Alicia Keys (Aug. 6), Rod Stewart (Aug. 19) & more.
- Ocean Casino Resort: Ocean Casino Resort has announced over $85 million in property development debuting throughout the summer. Updates include the completion of over 460 hotel rooms and suites (July 1), an innovative new sports and entertainment venue, the Gallery Bar Book & Games (July 1), and multiple new food and beverage outlets including the iconic New York City landmark, Serendipity3 (June 1) and a brand-new Starbucks (summer).
- Resorts Casino Hotel: Resorts Casino Hotel is kicking off Memorial Day Weekend and Hot Summer Fun with its annual Beach Ball Drop at 5 p.m. Friday. The boardwalk will be activated all day long with live entertainment and giveaways. Also opening Friday is Coral Lounge, a new under-the-sea-themed pop-up bar. There are so many ways to play as the gaming floor was updated with 400-plus of the newest and hottest slot games. Resorts Casino Hotel summer entertainment lineup includes the Boogie Wonder Band (Saturday), Tower of Power (June 3), Comix Presents Comedy Series with Tom Cotter (June 11), The Case of the Beach Ball Butcher – A Murder Mystery on the 13th Floor (June 17-18, July 22-23, Aug. 19-20) and live entertainment seven days a week on the beach at Landshark. The highly anticipated renovated pool deck will debut in July. The area will include a brand-new indoor/outdoor pool with customized tile work, a large bar area and lots of space to relax.
