Once again, Boardwalk Hall has a reason to celebrate at year’s end.
The world’s premier music publication, Billboard magazine, has published its “Year in Music” issue that includes accolades for 2010, and Boardwalk Hall has been recognized as the top grossing mid-sized arena in North America. As detailed in Billboard's Top 10 Venues chart, the 14,700 seat Hall grossed more than $15 million in ticket sales, and attracted 252,577 attendees for 35 ticketed shows that include 15 concerts and seven sellouts. Boardwalk Hall finished ahead of the 1st Mariner Arena in Baltimore, Maryland and Spokane Arena in Spokane, Washington. Overall, Boardwalk Hall was ranked sixth worldwide. Billboard’s gross rankings are compiled from box office scores reported from November 28, 2009 – November 20, 2010. Boardwalk Hall is operated by the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority and managed by SMG.
“Once again Billboard magazine reiterates what we already know, Boardwalk Hall’s magnificent design, convenient central location, and rotating list of headliner entertainment, sporting events and one-of-a-kind attractions continues to make it more popular than ever,” said Jeff Vasser, president of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. “With upcoming events such as the Miss’d America Pageant on January 16, the return of Lady Gaga February 19, A10 Men’s Basketball Championship March 11 through 13 and the premier of ECAC Hockey, March 18 and 19, we continue to actively host events that increase Boardwalk Hall’s popularity and solidify Atlantic City’s status as a major year-round vacation destination for millions of people each year.”
As in years past, Boardwalk Hall continued to offer a diversity of concerts. Sold-out concerts included appearances by top touring artists Lady Gaga, three back to back Phish concerts, Justin Bieber, and Carrie Underwood. Alternative rock band Nickelback, who launched their second leg of their North American “Dark Horse World Tour” from Boardwalk Hall in April and The Black Eyed Peas also attracted sell out crowds.
“2010 was another successful year for Boardwalk Hall," said Greg Tesone, General Manager of Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center/SMG. “We are particularly pleased to note that the 15 concerts established a record since the reopening of Boardwalk Hall in 2001. Since 2003, Boardwalk Hall has been recognized on seven occasions as the top grossing mid-sized arena in the world of North America. We have to give credit to the artist, promoters, and most of all the fans for helping us attain these milestones.”
Other concerts included the first gospel show since the renovation in 2001, that featured performances by Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin and JMoss. AR Rahman, the musical artist behind the success of the multi-award winning film Slumdog Millionaire, made a show-stopping appearance with Jai Ho: The Journey Home World Tour. Dutch musical conductor, and Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra returned to Boardwalk Hall, as well.
A number of premium sporting events made crowd cheering appearances during the year. The Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Championship returned for the fourth consecutive year. The Caesars Tennis Classic featured exhibition tennis and some marquee names. Three championship boxing events included Martinez vs. Pavilk, Jones vs. Garcia, and the return of Sergio Martinez in November to retain his WBC Middleweight title by knockout against Paul Williams, all of which were nationally televised.
Rounding out 2010 were bookings that included Aerosmith, Barry Manilow, Toby Keith, the New Jersey State High Wrestling Championships, indoor auto racing, two nights of the AC Comedy Fest, So You Think You Can Dance, and the Mummers 'Show of Shows', among others.
Historic Boardwalk Hall, which first opened in 1929, underwent a three year, $90 million renovation to transform the building into a modern special events arena capable of variable seating for up to 14,770 people. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Boardwalk Hall's renovation produced a glimpse into the dramatic and original Roman Renaissance style, while providing a 21st century experience in terms of comfort and amenities. Upon its reopening in 2001, it has been recognized as the destination’s premier entertainment venue, known for high profile concerts, family shows, and sporting events. SMG manages Boardwalk Hall on behalf of its client, the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Visit us at www.boardwalkhall.com for more information. For destination information about Atlantic City, please visit www.atlanticcitynj.com
Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and convention, congress and exhibition centers, science centers and a variety of other venues. Across the globe, SMG manages more than 12 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million arena and theatre seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through an in house catering company SAVOR, currently servicing more than 83 accounts worldwide.
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The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority 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. For complete Atlantic City information, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com.
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