Atlantic City has seen it share of downfall in the past couple years but there maybe hope at the end of tunnel in 2015 for the once great casino town. Here are the top 10 reasons Atlantic City can make a comeback in 2015.
1. Revel Revived
There still may be some hope for the beaten and battered casino, despite Brookfield Holdings LLC bailing on buying Revel due to the power plant contract connected to the building. Many have shown interest in the building because they can get the $2.4 billion architectural phenomenon for pennies on the dollar. The question is, can they do what no one else has so far, be successful and make a profit?
2. HQ Nightclub and HQ Beach Club
Both venues (located on the Revel Casino property) helped reinvent both Atlantic City’s nightlife and daylife. The venue’s owners were so confident in what they had built they fought to keep both venues open, even while Revel stayed closed. Since both closed, Atlantic City’s nightlife and daylife have been somewhat lackluster. Re-opening both of these venues could put Atlantic City back on the map.
3. Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center
Caesars Entertainment is spending $126 million on this center. It is the biggest shift away from gambling to help Atlantic City make a comeback. This conference center is supposed to be the biggest and most technologically advanced in the Northeast and is slated to bring in tons of business.
4. Stockton University Lands on the Boardwalk
Would you go to a college that was on the beach, where your dorm room was in an old casino? Stockton University bought the showboat casino on The Boardwalk’s north end and plans to house thousands of students. What do students do? Spend money! And believe me, if I had the chance to live on The Boardwalk, you can bet your bottom dollar I would take summer courses as much as possible!
5. Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Renovations
Borgata has plans for a $13 million facelift to areas that include: Borgata buffet, spa, casino floor, suites, and talent areas. Also, don’t be surprised if they move to dominate the nightlife scene with renovations to Mixx and mur.mur.
6. Real Estate
Many people look at Atlantic City as dying, with numerous abandoned buildings that have no hope of revival. Smart and successful real estate moguls look at Atlantic City as a chance to get cheap properties and make money off of them. Don’t be shocked if you see land and buildings being bought left and right and construction beginning that rebuilds the city. A good example is The Pier Shoppes that supposedly was bought by Philadelphia real estate guru Bart Blatstein.
7. Free Concerts on the Beach
During the summer of 2014, Atlantic City hosted two free concerts with headliners Blake Shelton and Lady Antebellum. Although the concerts were free, tens of thousands of people flocked to them. This brought a large amount of business to the city, benefitting parking lots, local vendors, restaurants, and all the way up to casinos. Look for more of these on the beach in 2015.
8. Governor Chris Christie
There is a reason you see Gov. Christie in the owner’s box with Jerry Jones every weekend at the Dallas Cowboys game: Yes, he will be making a run for president. Don’t be shocked if Atlantic City’s revival is one of his priorities if he gets into office.
9. Tropicana Boardwalk Facelift
Tropicana plans to spend millions of dollars on elaborate light shows and huge video screens for the building’s exterior to give it a “Times Square” type of feeling.
10. Bass Pro Shops makes their way to Atlantic City
Bass Pro Shops plans to open in 2015. It is one of the largest retail shops in Atlantic City and the only one of its kind. Look for people to travel from all over to visit Bass Pro Shops.
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