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Atlantic City casino just announced major live entertainment upgrade

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 11:57 GMT by NJ.com
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Atlantic City Casino Announces $30‑Million Live‑Entertainment Upgrade to Revive the Strip

In a bold move that signals a renewed focus on entertainment, one of Atlantic City’s flagship casinos has unveiled a $30‑million overhaul of its live‑show facilities. The project, announced in a press release issued last week, will see the opening of a state‑of‑the‑art theater, a revamped main ballroom, and a series of new entertainment‑centric amenities aimed at positioning the city as a premier destination for concertgoers, theater lovers and families alike.

The Scope of the Upgrade

At the heart of the renovation is a brand‑new 1,200‑seat theater that will replace the existing 500‑seat showroom. According to the casino’s website—linked in the original article—the new venue will feature a retractable stage, 4K LED walls, and a sound system built to industry‑standard specifications. In addition to the theater, the casino’s main ballroom has been gutted and reconstructed with a flexible layout that can accommodate everything from stand‑up comedy nights to upscale wedding receptions. The upgrade also includes a new “Sky‑Bar” rooftop lounge that will offer panoramic views of the boardwalk and a dedicated VIP area with private entrances for high‑rollers.

Who Will Perform?

The casino has already inked contracts with some of the biggest names in live entertainment. The first scheduled headline act is a production of Cirque du Soleil’s “O” — a spectacular aquatic show that will debut in early November, just weeks after the renovation is slated to open. Other upcoming bookings include a residency for the legendary country star Garth Brooks, a Broadway‑style revival of “The Phantom of the Opera,” and a “Comedy Nights” showcase featuring nationally syndicated comedians.

In addition to headline shows, the casino plans to host a weekly “Jazz & Blues” series featuring local artists from the Atlantic City music scene, as well as a monthly “Indie Music Night” spotlighting up‑and‑coming acts from the New Jersey area. These programming choices aim to balance high‑profile, big‑budget productions with grassroots, community‑oriented events.

Economic Impact

The casino’s executive team, as quoted in the article, says the investment is expected to create approximately 200 permanent jobs and an additional 500 seasonal positions during the peak summer season. The local tourism board, linked in the article, estimates that the upgraded entertainment lineup could drive a 15‑percent increase in overnight stays and a 20‑percent bump in hotel revenue for the city in the first year after the opening.

“We’re not just adding seats; we’re adding an entire ecosystem that will keep people in the city longer,” said the casino’s general manager in a brief interview. “From the first bite of dinner to the last show, we’re creating a day‑and‑night experience that encourages repeat visits.”

Financing and Partnerships

The project is a joint effort between the casino’s owning company, Atlantic City Resorts Group, and Live Nation, the global entertainment giant that manages venues and tours worldwide. The partnership, announced via a press release linked from the original article, stipulates that Live Nation will be responsible for booking talent and managing the day‑to‑day operations of the theater, while Atlantic City Resorts Group will handle the physical renovation and ongoing maintenance of the venue.

A local chamber of commerce representative noted that the city had secured a $2‑million tax incentive package from the state to offset some of the construction costs, with the remaining budget coming from the casino’s own capital allocation.

Broader Context

Atlantic City has faced a slow decline in tourist traffic over the last decade, as travelers increasingly flock to Las Vegas or seek out destinations with fewer gambling restrictions. The casino’s upgrade, according to the article, is part of a broader “Entertainment‑First” strategy being implemented by several Atlantic City resorts in the last two years. Competing properties, such as Tropicana Casino and Harrah’s Atlantic City, are reportedly upgrading their own venues, adding new restaurants, and expanding convention space in a bid to attract business travelers.

The article links to a 2023 study by the New Jersey Department of Tourism, which found that live entertainment was one of the top three drivers for overnight stays in the state, alongside beaches and historic sites. By tapping into that demand, the casino hopes to reverse the trend of declining patronage that has plagued the city’s economy.

Looking Ahead

The renovation is slated to be completed by the end of September, with the first show scheduled for the opening weekend in early November. The casino’s website, which the article linked to, offers a virtual walkthrough of the new theater and a schedule of upcoming acts. In the meantime, the casino has begun a marketing push through social media, local radio, and a partnership with a major New Jersey travel agency to promote the “Atlantic City Live” initiative.

If the upgrades deliver on their promise, Atlantic City may once again become a bustling hub of nightlife, culture, and tourism—an enticing alternative to the more well‑known gambling destinations of the United States. The city’s next chapter, it seems, will be written not just in chips and slot machines, but in the glow of stage lights, the roar of a live crowd, and the excitement of a new wave of entertainment.