A bold shift in how Atlantic City books its big-ticket entertainment is paying off. According to a joint report recently released by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and Visit Atlantic City, a new coordinated entertainment strategy has successfully generated over $1 million in revenue and created 3,000 jobs for local workers in its first full year of operation.
The initiative, which kicked off following the 2025 consolidation of the city’s marketing efforts, represents a move away from “business as usual” toward a data-driven approach to booking world-class acts.
The cornerstone of the 2025 strategy was an intentionally diverse roster of five major events held at the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. By targeting vastly different demographics, the city ensured a steady stream of “new” visitors from across the Northeast and beyond.
By catering to everyone from Caribbean communities in New York to international rock fans, the strategy generated 24,200 work hours and provided $1.26 million in total wages for local security personnel, stagehands, vendors and hospitality staff.
“Our partnership with Visit Atlantic City ensures entertainment decisions are based on an analysis of potential impact,” Eric Scheffler, CRDA executive director said. “These results validate that approach: significant revenue generation, thousands of jobs created, and proof that Atlantic City can attract diverse, world-class entertainment.”
The impact was felt far beyond the walls of Boardwalk Hall. The influx of visitors drove substantial spending at local restaurants, retail shops, and non-gaming attractions, reinforcing the city’s goal of becoming a year-round, multi-dimensional destination.
Building on this momentum, Visit Atlantic City and the CRDA are preparing for an even more ambitious 2026. The city has already debuted a new marketing campaign—“Iconic in the Everyday”—and is reimagining staple events like Atlantic City Restaurant Week into the broader “Taste Atlantic City” festival.
“This initiative proves our restructured approach works,” Modia Butler, CRDA board chair said. “The metrics speak for themselves… demonstrating what strategic collaboration can do for our community.”
With citywide events for 2026 already valued at more than $86 million, the “Power of Partnership” looks set to keep Atlantic City’s economic engine humming well into the future.
