Historic Boardwalk Hall has played host to a sparkling list of dazzling entertainers and knockout sporting events throughout its 84 year history. A premier entertainment spot for visitors and residents alike, this unique seaside arena has helped to uphold the city’s new slogan “Do AC” by bringing exciting events into Atlantic City in addition to their already stellar variety of offerings.
Built in 1929 to host the city’s growing convention industry, the historic Hall was touted an architectural marvel at that time. With its large 137 foot-high barrel vault ceiling, the Atlantic City Convention Hall as it was formerly known, laid claim to the world’s largest clear span space during that period.
Boardwalk Hall takes pride in a number of firsts. In 1930, it hosted the nation’s first indoor college football game; from July 1942 until November 16, 1945 the Army Air Forces used Convention Hall as a headquarters and training facility during World War II; the country’s first indoor helicopter flight was made here in 1970, and Boardwalk Hall was listed on the United State Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. In the early years, a number of celebrated artists have performed at Boardwalk Hall including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, the big band orchestras of Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Woody Herman, Luciano Pavarotti, The Police, the Rolling Stones and many more.
In December 1998 the facility began an extensive three year, $90 million renovation and restoration that would transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of variable seating for up to 14,770 people. In 2001, the new, more modern Hall was unveiled with much fanfare. Renamed “Boardwalk Hall,” the building was officially re-opened with a moving patriotic ceremony held on October 11, 2001 to honor those who serve and protect our country, state and communities. The innovative renovation received nine architectural and engineering awards, including the 2003 National Preservation Award and Design and Construction magazine’s 2002 Renovation Project of the Year.
Since reopening, a host of world-class entertainers and national touring productions have taken the legendary stage, such as icons Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffett, and Andrea Boc
For ten years since 2003, leading trade publications Billboard magazine and Venues Today have recognized the Hall as either the top grossing mid-sized arena in North America or the World. In 2012 Venues Today recognized Boardwalk Hall as the decade’s #1 “Top Stop” in North America and #2 in the World which was based on the venue’s box office performance.
The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, a division of the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), serves as the destination's principal marketing arm, stimulating economic growth through convention, business and leisure tourism development. The Authority oversees the management of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. The Authority is the first destination marketing organization in New Jersey to achieve prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation by the Destination Marketing Association International. SMG operates Boardwalk Hall on behalf the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Visit us at www.boardwalkhall.com for more information. For complete Atlantic City information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com.
