Smaller casinos in AC, it’s a great idea.   So what are they waiting for? I’ve read everything from the AC market shrinking to “It’s the economy stupid”. Then there’s talk they’re waiting to see what Revel does.

Here are my personal thoughts.

If it’s true those considering AC are waiting to see what Revel does, why not instead look at Golden Nugget. It’s smaller, apparently going after the clientele that Atlantic City is all about, offering great restaurants, buffet, comps, players club and smoking area. Revel is presenting something entirely different, an experience mainly found outside the country at upscale resorts in Europe, the Middle East and Caribbean. Revel also has the convention, event space and rooms to host large conferences etc.

I’d love to see Hard Rock build, it’s an accepted brand very well known and would fit like a glove in Atlantic City. I feel the same way about Margaritaville and the rumors of them coming have been around a long time.

Don’t discount AC, we still do 2.5 Billion in casino business and the right entity that would offer what the population driving distance from AC would fill the tank to see will add to the 2.5 billion.

There are no Hard Rock or Margaritaville casinos on the east coast.

As always, I welcome your comments

Atlantic City, N.J. (April 26, 2012) – Internationally acclaimed casino and resort industry leader, Caesars Entertainment, whose Atlantic City, NJ portfolio includes Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Bally’s and Showboat, announced today a stellar summer lineup featuring some of the East Coast’s most dynamic entertainment programming. Performances include some of the music industry’s most iconic voices, Mary J. Blige, who continues her mini-residency performances at the Circus Maximus Theater, and Madonna, the Queen of Pop herself.

“This is a very important summer for not only Caesars Entertainment, but for all of Atlantic City, and we’re poised to deliver with one of the strongest line-ups the region has ever seen,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President of Caesars Entertainment. “We’re showcasing our top-notch talent with Vegas-style entertainment like the Blue Man Group, iconic acts like Donny and Marie, unprecedented residencies from Mary J. Blige and Pauly D., hit musical productions like Rock of Ages, and superstars that transcend all genres like Madonna and Jamie Foxx.”

If you’re looking for a celebrity fix the summer of 2012, Atlantic City promises something memorable for everyone especially during some of the hottest holiday weekends. Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City will kick off the summer with stardom by celebrating Memorial Day weekend on Sunday alongside Kim Kardashian. Then the stakes are high this “Independence Day Week” when guests will have a chance to experience some of the greatest talent in music, comedy and film with performances by Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx and Sarah Silverman and the return of the Tribeca Film Festival Cinema Series. Later in the month, foodies are summoned to meet some of the most recognized names in the culinary industry for the fourth annual Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival. This year, both festivals will be on display for over 30,000 visitors at Caesars, Harrah’s Resort, Bally’s and Showboat.

The summer 2012 event calendar to date includes:

• Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 – May 28: The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort, one of the top award-winning nightclubs in the nation, kicks off the summer with a red carpet-worthy line-up of reality TV stars. Bally’s and rock ‘n’ roll legend Sammy Hagar will once again join forces for Sammy’s Beach Bar which features a performance by Bob Marley’s The Wailers on May 25th. To close out the holiday weekend, Reality Star Kim Kardashian is hosting her own bash at the AC hotspot on Sunday, May 27.

• The House of Blues at Showboat will bring 90s Alternative Rock bands and a little bit of Country to the North end of the Boardwalk on Memorial Day Weekend with Garbage on Friday, May 25, Big & Rich on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 will feature a FREE concert with Alien Ant Farm in Showboat’s Party Pit.

• June 29 – July 4:  Caesars Entertainment will celebrate Fourth of July with R&B sensation Mary J. Blige’s mini-residency at The Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars with shows on June 29, June 30, July 3 and July 4.

• Jamie Foxx, July 5 – 6: For the second year, Atlantic City is proud to welcome back Foxxhole Radio Celebrity Weekend with Jamie Foxx.  Fans will get to experience the Academy Award-winner as he performs two comedy shows at Circus Maximus at Caesars, hosts on-air broadcasts and celebrates the holiday weekend at The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort on July 6.

• Sarah Silverman, July 7: Bringing the funny to the shore, the bad girl of comedy, Sarah Silverman, is sure to have Atlantic City laughing (and blushing!) at the Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars.

• 3^rd Annual Tribeca Film Festival Cinema Series at Caesars Atlantic City, Every Friday and Saturday in July: July 6th is the kick off to the 3^nd Annual Tribeca Cinema Series at Caesars Atlantic City; a partnership between Caesars and New York’s critically-acclaimed Tribeca Film Festival. Guests of the Festival, which is free and open to the public, will get a sneak peek at some of the year’s most anticipated films, along the beautiful shore of the Atlantic Ocean.  This year’s films will begin at sundown (around 8pm), on the Beach in front of Caesars and will feature films from the Festival’s New York City event.  A full line-up will be announced in June.

• Blue Man Group at Circus Maximus Theater, July 13 – July 20: The interactive Grammy-nominated show, featuring hilarious comedic skits and musical jam-outs on color-splattered drums, will take up residency at the Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars from July 13 through July 20.

• Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival, July 26 – July 29: Excitement is served at Caesars Entertainment’s 2012 Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival.  Indulge in a four-day extravaganza for the senses, July 26 through July 29.  Featuring culinary stars and celebrity chefs such as Tyler Florence, Buddy Valastro, Andrew Zimmern, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine, and Nadia G., these tasteful events command you to bring your appetite.

• Donny & Marie, July 31 – August 4: Beginning July 31, Atlantic City can watch the iconic singing duo at The Circus Maximus Theater at Caesars.

• Rock of Ages, August 14 – September 2: Caesars Atlantic City will bring Broadway to the Boardwalk with over two weeks of Rock of Ages performances, the jukebox musical built around 80’s classic rock hits at the Circus Maximus Theater from August 18 through September 2.

• Madonna’s 2012 World Tour, September 15: The Queen of Pop, Madonna, is bringing her 2012 World Tour to Atlantic City for a memorable evening in the city by the sea.  Her majesty’s fans will enjoy a first live look at Madonna’s new album, “MDNA”, and can get “into the groove” to the tunes of her ultimate classics.

For more information on the above event schedule and accommodation packages please visit www.Caesars.com. Tickets, which vary in pricing, are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Now with other casinos ramping up their lineup, Borgata puts together an unstoppable lineup of megastars, superstars, comedy stars, rocks stars that include Florence and the Machine who sold out right after they were announced. The Jackson just announced they were touring and Borgata has them. The much publicized Beach Boy reunion tour plays the event center this summer. Pitbull, Joan River, Jay Leno and Sting are also in the mix.

To make it easy…Here’s the entire line up. For up to the minute additions and tickets visit Borgata

Borgata’s Entertainment Schedule

Kevin James

Event Center / April 7 – 8p.m.

All American Rejects

Music Box / April 13 – 9p.m.

Daryl Hall featuring Sharon Jones and Allen Stone

Music Box / April 14 – 9p.m.

Borgata Comedy Club presents: Shut Up, Sit Down and Eat

Music Box / April 20 – 9p.m.

Music Box / April 21 – 9p.m.

Music Box / April 22 – 9p.m.

Borgata Comedy Club presents: Mike Marino 

Music Box / April 27 – 9p.m.

Counting Crows

Event Center / April 28 – 8p.m.

Russell Brand

Music Box / May 4 – 9p.m.

Music Box / May 5 – 9p.m.

George Lopez

Event Center / May 5 – 8p.m.

Florence and the Machine

Event Center / May 12 – 8p.m.

The Beach Boys Reunion w/ Brian Wilson

Event Center / May 19 – 8p.m.

Joan Rivers

Music Box / May 19 – 6 p.m. & 9p.m.

Pitbull

Event Center / May 25 – 8p.m.

Steve Winwood

Music Box / May 25 – 9p.m.

John Pinette

Music Box / May 26 – 8p.m.

Music Box / May 27 – 9p.m.

Weezer

Event Center / June 1 – 9p.m.

Frankie Valli

Music Box / June 8 – 9p.m.

Music Box / June 9 – 9p.m.

Sting

Event Center / June 9 – 8p.m.

Wanda Sykes

Music Box / June 15 – 9p.m.

Music Box / June 16 – 9p.m.

Borgata Comedy Club presents: Josh Wolf & Jen Kirkman 

Music Box / June 22 – 9p.m.

Jim Gaffigan

Event Center / June 23 – 7p.m. & 10p.m.

The Jacksons

Event Center / June 29 – 8p.m.

The John Oates Band  

Music Box / June 29 – 9p.m.

Crosby Stills & Nash

Event Center / June 30 – 8p.m.

Styx, REO Speedwagon & Ted Nugent

Event Center / July 1 – 7p.m.

Bob Saget 

Music Box / July 6 – 9p.m.

James Taylor

Event Center / July 6 – 8p.m.

Event Center / July 7 – 8p.m.

Borgata Comedy Club presents: Billy Gardell 

Music Box / July 7 – 9p.m.

Sarah McLachlan 

Music Box / July 8 – 7:30p.m.

Squeeze & The B-52’s

Event Center / July 13 – 8p.m.

Aziz Ansari 

Music Box / July 13 – 8p.m. & 11p.m.

Jerry Seinfeld

Event Center / July 14 – 8p.m.

Kenny Loggins 

Music Box / July 20 – 9p.m.

Santana

Event Center / July 20 – 8p.m.

Event Center / July 21 – 8p.m.

Howie Mandel 

Music Box / July 21 – 9p.m.

Frank Caliendo 

Music Box / August 3 – 9p.m.

Music Box / August 4 – 9p.m.

Il Divo

Event Center / August 10 – 8p.m.

Jay Leno

Event Center / August 11 – 8p.m.

Roger Hodgson of Supertramp 

Music Box / August 18 – 9p.m.

Keith Urban

Event Center / August 25 – 8p.m.

Kathy Griffin

Event Center / August 26 – 8p.m.

We can’t catch a break. For whatever the reason Atlantic City’s new slogan got out. Maybe it was done on purpose.  Many knew about it, after all there’s a committee working on it with the marketing company in New York and I’m sure the committee members knew about it. Perhaps a few of them told some friends, hey it happens, you know the old, “I’m only telling you, please keep it a secret don’t even tell your mother” Well it made the papers and now Atlantic City is having to deal with “Premature Scrutinization”

The city and the organizations responsible for AC’s promotion including the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), The Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) and for the time being the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority (ACCVA) are working on re-branding Atlantic City and creating a new identity to show the world all the great things we have to offer.

By the new slogan getting out, it was subject to scrutiny from the public even before the entire concept was completed and released as a total package.

I have not commented on the new slogan on my WOND radio show or written about it in my nj.com blog, giving those working on the campaign the respect to present Atlantic City, the nation and possibly the world with a first class campaign and a slogan identifying Atlantic City.

Why did I feel inclined to write this. Today I saw a Central Jersey paper today with a piece on it giving readers a chance to say what they think it should be. This opens the doors for those ‘who’s next good day will be their first good day’ to comment.

I will discuss the campaign once it’s live!

REVEL BEACH, Atlantic City, NJ (April 9, 2012) – Revel, the $2.4 billion entertainment destination, welcomes the Grammy Award-winning Sugarland to Ovation Hall on Friday, June 15 at 8 p.m.  The tour, titled “In Your Hands,” relies on the fans to determine the set list for the concert through interaction via texts, Facebook, Twitter and handwritten signs during the show.  The show will open with singer-songwriter Canaan Smith.

Mercury Nashville super duo Sugarland has reached over 22 million in worldwide sales and has achieved eight No. 1 singles with Twice The Speed Of Life, Enjoy The Ride, Love On The Inside and The Incredible Machine. Sugarland co-wrote all tracks from all four albums and co-produced the last three. Honors include awards from the Grammys, AMA’s, the ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards and the CMA Awards, as well as live collaborations with heavy hitters like Adele, Rihanna and Lady Gaga among others.

Ovation Hall, designed by Scéno Plus, creates an elevated concert experience for more than 5,000 fans by making the expansive space feel decidedly intimate.  Every seat has an unobstructed view of the performer and a state-of-the-art sound system puts the audience in the center of the action with immersive audibility.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 10 a.m. EDT at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and by calling 800-745-3000.

Revel opened its doors on April 2 with an eight week preview culminating with the resort premiere on Memorial Day weekend.  Spanning 6.3 million square feet and standing 47 stories tall in Atlantic City, Revel is bringing a true resort option to the Northeast.  The beachfront destination is smoke-free and features 1,800 rooms with an ocean view, two performance spaces, more than a dozen restaurants, two nightclubs, a dayclub, spa, beach club, retail shops and a casino.

To receive the latest updates on Revel, book a trip or learn more about the resort, visit revelresorts.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/revel and follow @revelresorts on Twitter.  Revel is located on the Boardwalk at Connecticut Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Atlantic City, NJ – (April 4, 2012) – Legend has it, Bally’s Atlantic City and the award-winning Legends in Concert series have began a multi-year and multi-dimensional partnership.  The resort destination will fully immerse itself in the Legends in Concert theme, designed to extend each fan’s experience even after the curtain closes.

Guests can already see the metamorphosis that has taken place with Bally’s newly renovated Legends in Concert Theater (formerly the Palace Theater), which includes all new seats, more comfortable booths and cocktail tables.  Several memorabilia walls featuring images and artifacts of America’s favorite superstars, sourced from the performers, families and estates of the superstars Legends pays tribute to, along with Legends in Concert memorabilia from its nearly 30 year long history will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Additionally, Bally’s will soon begin celebrating Legends in Concert new long term home by extending their special entertainment onto the casino floor with the debut of a ‘Dealer-tainer’ themed gaming pit, including wardrobes furnished via Legends in Concert’s extensive costume department. Other Bally’s personnel, including theater staff, front desk employees and food service wait staff will periodically appear in costume.

“Bally’s commitment to our guests has always been evident in our execution; we’ve installed premier dining options with restaurants like The Reserve, Harry’s Oyster Bar and Seafood, and Nanking, we’ve elevated the property as an entertainment and nightlife destination with world-class boxing and Blue Martini, and now to have a show of the Legends caliber integrated throughout speaks volumes about Bally’ Atlantic City and where we’re headed,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment.   “2011 was a big year for Legends and Bally’s, and with this new-found partnership, 2012 guarantees to be even bigger.”

The award-winning Las Vegas-based show will present five different stellar lineups of iconic performers during each year, including many new acts to this venue. The line-up currently features tributes to Tina Turner, Blues Brothers, Liza Minnelli, Ray Charles and Elvis Presley through May 17.  The 2012 edition of the stage show spectacular, which features live recreations of yesterday’s and today’s hottest superstars, backed by a live orchestra and dancers, promises to be more popular than ever with tickets available for just $32.50 plus applicable service charges and are on sale now.

The Legends series will continue with a brand new set for the production and summer line-up beginning on May, 25^th featuring performances by  spectacular tributes to Whitney Houston, Adele, Justin Timberlake, Bobby Darin, Marilyn Monroe, and of course, Elvis Presley and continue through July 11.  Beginning on July 12, the cast will feature Jimmy Buffett, Cher, Barry White, Whitney Houston, Adele, and Elvis Presley and continue through September 2 with performances at 8 pm Tuesdays through Fridays; Sundays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and 10pm, and a special matinee each Wednesday at 3pm. Tickets to the summer portion of the 2012 series go on sale March 30th.

“We are honored to be invited to bring our show back to Atlantic City and begin our 21st season in the market, with an unprecedented array of unique commitments from Bally’s to improve and extend our fan’s experience,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for On Stage Entertainment, producers of the show. “There is no better venue for our production in Atlantic City than the intimate and renovated Legends in Concert Theater and we look forward to this exciting and innovative extension of our long time relationship with Caesars Entertainment.

For tickets to the world’s original tribute show or to find out more about Bally’s Legendary casino and hotel, please visit www.ballysac.com,  the box office, or ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-736-1420.

Tickets go on sale Monday, March 26 at 10AM and can be purchased at Boardwalk Hall Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by-phone at 800-736-1420. Tickets are priced at $46, $65, $77, and $127.

The Jackson 5-inspired band produced hits which made them the forerunners of two generations of teen pop.  As the band matured and progressed, they laid much of the groundwork for the fusion of hip-hop and R&B music known as “new jack swing”.  After New Edition drifted apart, all of the members succeeded significantly outside of the group as part of the new jack movement, which helped ensure that their original incarnation would be remembered formuch more than the bubblegum urban soul which made them “New Edition”.

Starting up in North East during the 1980’s, the boys were quickly discovered by writer/producer/impresario Maurice Starr, who signed the group to his small Streetwise label in hopes of launching a revamped Jackson 5 phenomenon for the ’80s.  The boys quickly became pop icons and as their fame grew, the boys grew into men and began singing with a harder-edged funk and produced more mature romantic ballads.

Through the breakups, makeups and individual successes of the members, New Edition’s legacy has proceeded on, and thirty years later the demand for an anniversary tour was a certainty for all six of themen.  The American tour will be short, yet sweet, sure to revitalize all of the great memories their fans have associated with the numerous billboard topping love ballads and songs guaranteed to get the crowd moving for a much anticipated and unforgettable night.

REVEL BEACH, Atlantic City, N.J., USA (March 19, 2012) – The “Countdown” begins!  Revel premieres its $2.4 billion entertainment destination on Memorial Day weekend with 16-time Grammy Award winner and international superstar Beyoncé.  In her first live concerts since 2011, Beyoncé will take the stage in Ovation Hall, Revel’s signature performance space, for three nights: Friday, May 25 at 9 p.m., Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 at 8 p.m.

Designed by Cirque du Soleil veterans Scèno Plus, Ovation Hall creates an elevated concert experience for 5,050 fans by making the expansive space feel decidedly intimate. Every seat has an unobstructed view of the performer and a state-of-the-art sound system puts the audience in the center of the action with immersive audibility.

Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. EDT at all Ticketmaster locations, online at Ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

7:30 PM                                                                                    

SATURDAY, MARCH 24

Van Halen’s new single, “Tattoo” has been played on more than 160 stations since its release on January 10th. #1 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Singles chart;  #1 Most Played Song at Classic Rock Radio in its first week;  #1 Most Added song at Mainstream and Active Rock Radio. A Different Kind Of Truth will be released in the US by Interscope Records on February 7th.  The album is Van Halen’s first original studio album with singer David Lee Roth since the band’s diamond certified album 1984. Van Halen appears with special guest Kool & The Gang. Tickets are $149.50, $79.50 and $49.50.

2^nd ANNUAL ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK RODEO

MARCH 30, 31 & APRIL 1        VARIOUS TIMES

In more than 2 ½ hours of non-stop rodeo action, fans will witness all the events of the rodeo scene. From the thrilling bareback, tie down and team roping events, to the electrifying saddle bronc, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bull riding events, the action takes place from one end of the arena to the other! Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company has been going down the rodeo trail for more than 60 years and will bring the biggest rodeo on the East Coast back to Atlantic City. Showtime as follows: 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday and 1:00 PM Sunday. Tickets are $16, $31, $51 and $102. Family four-packs are $79 and include 4 tickets; 4 hot dogs and 4 soft drinks (must be purchased in advance). There is a $5 discount on $31 and $51 seats for groups of 10 or more. Two complimentary tickets are available for each block of 40 tickets sold. Call 348-7023 for groups. For information on the Atlantic City Boardwalk Rodeo visit http://acboardwalkrodeo.com. For information about Barnes PRCA Rodeo, visit www.barnesprcarodeo.com. For information on the PRCA, visit www.prorodeo.com.

BELLATOR FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS 65*

FRIDAY, APRIL 13                7:00 pm

After a spectacular run through the Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament, Eduardo “Dudu” Dantas has earned his world title shot. With victories over Wilson Reis, Ed West and the explosive Olympian Alexis Vila, Dantas is just a win away from becoming a World Champion when he battles reigning Bellator Bantamweight world Champion  Zach “Fun Size” Makovsky in the Ballroom at Boardwalk Hall. The night will also see the return of Lyman Good, who rejoins Bellator after nearly a year away from the cage. Good will battle LeVon Maynard, and has his sights set on regaining the form that made him Bellator’s first Welterweight Champion. Bellator 65 will also host the semifinals of the promotion’s Season 6 Middleweight Tournament. Maiquel Falcao, Brian Rogers, Giva Santana  and Vitor Vianna headline the stacked tournament and should provide fireworks. More local talent includes Pennsylvania native and fan favorite Duane Bastress taking on Pino Cruz, as well as Bellator veteran and Philadelphia resident Tim Carpenter battling Ricardo Romero.  Tickets are $150, $85, $70 and $50.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum Bash*

APRIL 19 – APRIL 22            VARIOUS TIMES

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Barnum Bash introduces the Ringling Bros.® Ringlettes, who are the stylish hosts of the swankiest circus party in town. The Ringlettes are ready to invite Children of All Ages in on the hippest circus spectacular that The Greatest Show On Earth® has ever produced!  The fun begins as soon as the audience enters Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash with a rockin’ Pre-show party happening directly on the arena floor. Party goers can learn fresh dance moves from Ringling Bros. clown DJ Dean, style in glitzy costumes, learn balancing and juggling skills, meet and take photos with circus stars, and even step behind the curtain for an exclusive backstage experience which includes an up-close look at the most exotic animal menagerie only at Barnum Bash.

Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash has assembled the most amazing international acts including The Mighty Dmytrio, Motorcycle Mania, Epic Asian Elephants, Wheel of Steel, and Hand Balancers. All are tricked-out for the circus party and ready to perform wild feats of wonders and strength, to contemporary pop music and in 21st century Barnum style. Everyone who is anyone is invited to the party, except Anton, a loveable, goofy hipster clown, who just wants to be part of the fun. Ringling Bros. Presents Barnum Bash is all the rage with outlandish thrills, hilarious high-jinks and majestic animals, but can Anton, with his non-stop laughable antics, persuade us all that there’s not just one right way to party!?!  Show times are Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20 at 7 PM; Saturday, April 21 at 1 PM and 5 PM; Sunday, April 22 at 1 PM. Tickets are $80, $35, and $20 (P3). Children’s (P-3) ticket price $10 (facility fee/ convenience charges applicable). Call 609-348-7023 for Group Sales.

BERNARD HOPKINS VS. CHAD DAWSON

SATURDAY, APRIL 28            6:30 PM

The oldest fighter in boxing history to win a world title, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, and former World Champion “Bad” Chad Dawson will meet again to settle their heated feud following their October 2011 bout, which was originally scored as a TKO win for Dawson, but later ruled a no decision by the California State Athletic Commission.  The two are ready to resume their high-stakes rivalry on Saturday, April 28 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The 12 round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:15 p.m. ET/7:15 p.m. PT.  “Hopkins vs. Dawson: Once And For All,” a 12 round bout for Hopkins’ WBC and Ring Magazine light heavyweight world championships, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Caesars Atlantic City.  Ticket prices are $300, $200, $100, $50 and $25.

ATLANTIC CITY HOST AWARDS (Community Event)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 9    (Ballroom)

MOTHER’S DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, MAY 12            7:30 PM

Featuring Charlie Wilson, Patti Labelle and Johnny Gill. Tickets are $95, $80, $65 and $45.

BEER VS. WINE* 

SATURDAY, MAY 19            7:00 PM

This one of a kind event, to be held in the Ballroom, is a concept created to solve that age old question Beer or Wine? Which is the ultimate beverage and how do they pair with delicious foods.  American craft breweries and American wineries will be showcased, all complimenting 20 of Atlantic City’s finest restaurants. During this event each attendee will have a chance to sample what local restaurateurs have prepared to enhance the taste of participating beers and wines in order for attendees to decide which completes each dish best, beer or wine. Throughout the night local chefs will perform cooking demos while beer enthusiast and sommeliers host seminars and hot debates on all subjects beer and wine.

Tickets purchased in advance are $75.00 and $80.00 purchased day of event.  Purchase Designated Driver tickets for $40.00 at the Box Office on the day of the event (includes food and entertainment). Groups of ten or more may purchase tickets for $70.00 through Ticketmaster or at the Box Office.  We ask all attendees to taste responsibly and know your limits. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted to the event. Valid photo identification must be presented.  For sponsor and vendor opportunities please call 609-377-8873. Visit www.acbeervswine.com for more info.

NOTE: This event was previously scheduled for October 22; all tickets purchased for that date will be honored at the Box Office for the new date.

MADONNA*                             

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15       8:00 PM

Madonna is having a huge party and everyone’s invited.  The Madonna 2012 World Tour begins May 29, 2012 in Tel Aviv, Israel it was officially announced by Live Nation Entertainment, the tour’s international promoter.  The shows will include arenas, stadiums and special outdoor sites. One stop on the tour, presented by Caesars Atlantic City, will take place at historic Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, September 15.

In the course of her phenomenal career, Madonna has a record breaking 37 Top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart along with a record breaking 40 Number 1’s on Billboard’s Dance/Club Play Song Charts.  No other act has more Top 10’s on the Hot 100 or Number 1’s on the Club Chart.  Madonna has sold over 300 million albums and holds the record for the most successful tour by a solo artist in history. She is a seven time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, producer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Her last CD, Hard Candy, debuted at No. 1 in 37 countries including US, UK, Canada, France and Australia.  Madonna 2012 World Tour is the Material Girl’s 9th Tour.  Her first tour was the 1985 Virgin Tour.  Tickets are on sale now and priced at $355, $255, $155 and $80. Presented by Live Nation and Caesars Atlantic City.

(Atlantic City, NJ, March 9, 2012) – Once again, mild weather – coupled in February with mid-winter holidays – gave some of Atlantic City’s key business indicators a positive outlook.

The trend line continues to point upward for visitors stopping at the city’s visitor welcome centers on the Boardwalk and the Atlantic City Expressway, with more than 8,000 visitors stopping for maps, general information, and room and restaurant reservations, an 18% increase in February 2012 over February 2011, contributing to a year-to-date increase of 21% over 2011.  These figures correspond to the 18% increase in new visitors to the city’s tourism Web site, www.atlanticcitynj.com, in February 2012 over last February, as well as the 21% increase in new Web site visitors year-to-date over 2011.

The high interest in Atlantic City as a getaway destination is also evident in a 20% increase in unique visitors to the Web site during February 2012 over February 2011.

Additionally, the ACCVA’s mobile site grew from 20,449 visits in February 2011 to 54,615 this February – a 167% jump, keeping pace with the growth of mobile technology in the travel and tourism sector.

Traffic on the Atlantic City Expressway also continued to remain strong in February.  Unaudited figures from the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) show 1,560,640 cars passed through the Atlantic City Expressway’s Pleasantville toll plaza leading into Atlantic City, up 5.2% over February 2011.  Year-to-date statistics for traffic at the Pleasantville toll plaza is up 6.2% over 2011 year-to-date figures.

At the Atlantic City International Airport, additional capacity on Spirit Airlines flights and resumption of Florida Flights boosted deplanements — passengers arriving in Atlantic City — by 8% this February over last February.

Atlantic City also remains an attractive market for convention delegates.  While there was a 66% increase in conventions held at the hotel properties in February 2012 vs. February 2011, attendance was up by 125%, room nights increased by 350% and estimated delegate spending reached more than $1.9 million, a 201% increase.

“It’s exciting to see these positive indicators,” said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.  “We’re happy to see that new visitors are exploring all of our great amenities, and we’re looking forward to additional increases as new attractions and properties open and the Tourism District Master Plan begins to take shape.”

Spectrum Gaming Group provides the following additional insight to factors impacting January’s business climate:

“On a year-over-year basis, February 2012 had a more favorable calendar than the same month the prior year – as this is a leap year with one additional day in it. February 2012 had the same number of weekend days (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and President’s Day Monday) as February of the prior year, while February 2012 had one additional weekday (a Wednesday) compared to the prior year.

“Additionally, the unseasonably pleasant weather in the region continued from January into February. According to the Northeast Regional Climate Center, February 2012 was the warmest February in the Northeast since 1998 and the fourth warmest since 1895; while the Northeast experienced the third warmest winter (December through February) since 1896. The Northeast averaged well below normal precipitation totals in February 2012, while there was only one day with measurable snowfall in the Atlantic City area (and it was less than 2 inches).

“On a negative note, the average retail price for a gallon of gas in the region in February was $3.70, which was 13.2 percent higher than February prior year (at $3.27). Additionally, gas prices increased considerably from the beginning of the month to the end of the month (up $0.20 from first week to last week of month), which may have negatively impacted drive-in visitation to the city. Coupled with higher gas prices, February marked the second month with increased tolls along the entire length of the Garden State Parkway (the primary roadway utilized for travelers coming to Atlantic City), as well as on the New Jersey Turnpike and bridge crossings into New York.”

The figures quoted above and others are available in the monthly Tourism Barometer, available online at http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/about/stats.aspx.