Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha L. Way
Visit Atlantic City Expects a Bustling Spring with New Developments and Reopenings
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (March 31, 2025) – Visit Atlantic City is gearing up for peak season this spring and summer, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore an array of new and updated restaurants and attractions within the seaside destination. Off the heels of a five-year closure, the Atlantic City Aquarium has officially reopened to the public, marking the return of an iconic establishment in the destination. Additionally, several restaurants and bars across the destination are making updates to their footprint, menus and offerings, showcasing a continuous reinvestment into the Atlantic City tourism experience.
“The first quarter of 2025 brought Atlantic City an abundance of celebrations, and we’re eager to continue this momentum into this next phase of the year,” said Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission. “Following the integration of the DO AC brand and assets under the unified Visit Atlantic City name, the destination is putting a larger emphasis on leisure travel and experiences. Uniting these two brands allows Atlantic City to act under one strong and united force, while simultaneously streamlining our efforts to act as a premier destination for leisure and convention travelers. Visit Atlantic City is dedicated to continued improvement, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more success this spring.”
Visit Atlantic City had an eventful kick-off to 2025 by hosting over 12 successful events, conventions and conferences generating 39,843 room nights booked and more than 104,000 attendees, resulting in a total economic impact of $77,227,964. The seaside destination will continue the momentum going into spring by hosting 16 major events and conferences including the CHAMPS Trade Show, April Fools Half Marathon and 8K, Matchroom Boxing Presents Ennis VS Stanionis and Police Security Expo.
WHAT’S NEW IN ATLANTIC CITY
The Atlantic City Aquarium Officially Reopened in March
The Atlantic City Aquarium officially reopened to the public on March 24, after a five-year closure. The Atlantic City Aquarium experienced a full overhaul of the space, highlighting features including new roofing, windows, decks, doors, ceilings, lighting, flooring and tiles to the interior, as well as updates to the building’s exterior. The aquarium will be introducing new animals to the space, including sharks and six new hands-on touch tanks surrounding the famous Cow Nose Ray Touch Tank.
Resorts Casino LandShark Bar & Grill Introduces New Outdoor Stage and Tiki Bar This Summer
LandShark Bar & Grill located at Resorts Casino Hotel is scheduled to open a new outdoor stage this summer dedicated to bringing in more entertainment to the resort and highlighting the newly widened beach on site. The new expanded oceanfront tiki bar and deck will be equipped with private cabanas, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, hammocks, corn hole, beer pong tables and more.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Announces Updates to B Bar
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa recently announced details around the exciting new chapter for its iconic B Bar, which is undergoing a redesign. Slated to reopen in May, the reimagined B Bar will feature a sleek new look inspired by Italian craftsmanship, blending luxury and adaptability. At the heart of the space is B Bar’s iconic round bar, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and video poker.
Hospitality Vet, Salvatore Spena Revamps Tennessee Avenue Restaurants
Atlantic City native and seasoned hospitality professional Salvatore “Sal” Spena is leading the charge in updating the restaurants on Tennessee Avenue. As the new owner of Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall, Spena plans to introduce an elevated dining experience to the space. Additionally, he plans to open two more restaurants across Tennessee Avenue to replace Cuzzie’s Pizzeria & Kitchen and Rhythm & Spirits. Isabella’s Italian Pizza Kitchen will specialize in authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, with menu highlights including wood-fired pizzas, artisanal sandwiches, fresh salads and traditional Sicilian-inspired sauces made with high-quality ingredients. Paulie’s Steak Italiano will combine classic steakhouse offerings with bold Italian flavors. In the evening, Paulie’s will transition into a lively late-night destination with after-dinner drinks and an inviting social atmosphere. Lastly, in May, Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall will debut Jennifer’s Oyster Bar, in the outdoor beer garden. The seafood-focused concept will feature locally sourced oysters from the Barnegat Oyster Conservatory, chilled shrimp, clams on the half shell, crab legs and more, all paired with an extensive selection of draft beers and fresh wines on tap.
Q2 CONVENTIONS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
Ferraro Foods 2025 will be coming to the Atlantic City Convention Center on April 28, showcasing the finest top-quality ingredients, gourmet products and innovative food solutions from around the world. This convention offers culinary professionals, restaurateurs and food enthusiasts the chance to discover premium products, experience live cooking demos and hands-on workshops while exploring the latest trends in the food industry. The event expects 1,000 attendees, 698 room nights and $1,555,131 in economic impact.
The 2025 CHAMPS Trade Show is returning to the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 6-8, attracting hundreds of exhibitors to attend the leading counter-culture B2B trade expo serving the smoke shop industry. CHAMPS exhibitors will include manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, glass artists, inventors and suppliers who showcase specialty products. The event expects 3,000 attendees, 1,926 room nights and $2,125,124 in economic impact.
The Eastern Energy Expo 2025 will be taking place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from May 18-21. This annual event brings together wholesale and retail liquid fuel marketers, motor fuel distributors, diesel and biodiesel distributors, propane marketers and HVAC service professionals for a two-day trade show filled with insightful business presentations, engaging technical education programs and valuable networking opportunities. The event expects 3,200 attendees, 2,395 room nights and $3,098,928 in economic impact.
The New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) Conference and Expo will return to the Atlantic City Convention Center from May 20-22. This event attracts the industry’s finest professionals for three days of networking and education. Owners, regional managers, leasing and other industry leaders attend to learn about the latest products and services provided by vendor members in addition to two outstanding days of education. The event expects 1,525 attendees, 1,405 room nights and $1,783,479 in economic impact.
The 13th annual New Jersey Prevention Network (NJPN) conference will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center from June 12-13, bringing together prevention, treatment and peer recovery professionals to learn about critical issues within the continuum of care. The event expects 1,500 attendees, 420 room nights and $616,655 in economic impact.
Kameha Con will be returning to the Atlantic City Convention Center from June 13-15, for a celebration of anime and gaming culture. Here, guests will have the opportunity to participate in meet-and-greets with voice actors from notable games, enjoy panels from creators and actors, enter giveaways and learn about the future of anime and gaming. The event expects 8,000 attendees, 1,470 room nights and $1,760,150 in economic impact.
The 39th Annual Police Security Expo will be held June 24-25 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. This event is the law enforcement industry’s premier showcase and is designed to empower the law enforcement community and unveil industry-leading goods, products and services. The expo expects 6,304 attendees, 2,067 room nights and $4,686,006 in economic impact.
Q2 SPORTING EVENTS IN ATLANTIC CITY
April Fools Half Marathon and 8K
The April Fools Half Marathon and 8K will take place on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk on April 6. With over five miles of boardwalk, the April Fools Half Marathon offers a shared start and finish line and a fast, flat course along the picturesque Atlantic Ocean. All participants over the age of 21 will receive a ticket for one free beer at either LandShark Bar & Grill or Margaritaville. The event expects 2,400 attendees, 222 room nights and $503,028 in economic impact.
Matchroom Boxing Presents Ennis VS Stanionis
Experience world-class boxing at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on April 12 as Matchroom Boxing Presents Ennis vs. Stanionis. Witness undefeated champions collide in a 12-round welterweight unification match as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion, takes on Eimantas Stanionis, the reigning WBA welterweight champion. The event expects 10,000 attendees, 552 room nights and $1,823,469 in economic impact.
The Boardwalk Block Party will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on April 12-13, where high school volleyball teams and club families will wrap up the season and prepare for Nationals. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 3,604 room nights and $4,198,021 in economic impact.
The Launch will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on April 26-27, featuring competitive play for boys in grades 6th through Varsity. With a format designed for teams of 3+ players, this event offers athletes the chance to showcase their skills, teamwork, and passion for the game. The event expects $7,000 attendees, 886 room nights and $1,969,548 in economic impact.
The Main Event, part of the Select Events annual basketball circuit, which is one of the leaders of youth basketball markets in the Northeast, will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 3-4. The Main Event will be hosting games played between boys in grades three to eight and girls in grades four to eight. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 2,510 room nights and $3,120,716 in economic impact.
Hoop Group Presents: War at the Shore
Hoop Group Presents: War at the Shore is coming to the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 10-11. This event will feature basketball competitions for boys aged 14 through 17, allowing all participants to play at least three games. The event expects 6,000 attendees, 1,740 room nights and $2,452,689.38 in economic impact.
The Atlantic City Showcase will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center on May 16-18. The Atlantic City Showcase, also part of the Select Events annual basketball circuit, will host this female-only basketball tournament for girls in grades six to 12. The event expects 7,000 attendees, 5,660 room nights and $4,135,702 in economic impact.
In honor of the 90th anniversary of Monopoly, Atlantic City will be hosting a Run Monopoly Series on May 17, offering guests the chance to participate in a half marathon, 5k or half-mile kids run. As a part of the run, guests will dash down the iconic Boardwalk, pass legendary streets and feel immersed in the game’s rich history. The event expects 3,000 attendees, 200 room nights and $609,473 in economic impact.
The One World Fitness Conference will take place at the Atlantic City Convention Center from June 6-8. This event will bring together key figures in the health and fitness space for a series of panels, discussions and meet and greets. Attendees will also have the opportunity to earn credits toward any health and fitness certifications. The event expects 100 attendees, 110 room nights and $94,337 in economic impact.
The Bungalow Beach 5 Miler will take place on the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk on Saturday, June 7. The event is a five-mile race and is a part of the Atlantic City Marathon Race Series set to take place over two hours, ending with a final dash to the finish line on the beach into Bungalow Beach Bar. The event expects 1,000 attendees, 65 room nights and $194,310 in economic impact.
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About Visit Atlantic City
Visit Atlantic City is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to create economic development through leisure tourism, conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism.
Atlantic City is a premier travel destination on the East Coast with the first Boardwalk to open in the United States. Attracting visitors with its diverse array of tourism offerings, Atlantic City is home to nine casino resorts, an eclectic culinary scene, vibrant history, thrilling entertainment and family-friendly adventures, making it the ultimate destination where celebrations live on and inspire visitors to create memory making moments.
For complete Atlantic City tourism and convention information, visit www.visitatlanticcity.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Atlantic City Sports Commission
The Atlantic City Sports Commission was officially formed on January 13, 2015 as a 501 (c)(3) organization with the support of Visit Atlantic City and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to attract sporting events, conventions and competitions to Atlantic City.For more information, visit www.atlanticcitysports.org. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
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Visit Atlantic City
Jessica Kasunich