Borgata to open new nightclub, outdoor concert venue

The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, the state agency that oversees the city’s tourism and redevelopment projects, gave preliminary approval Tuesday for the entertainment complex. Borgata plans to tap into the reinvestment contributions it makes to the CRDA to finance both the nightclub and outdoor concert venue, which will have a combined cost of about US$ 14 million.

Borgata’s projects are the latest example of Atlantic City’s efforts to diversify its attractions beyond the same old slot machines and blackjack tables as competition intensifies from casinos in surrounding states. Other Atlantic City casinos are adding new conference centers, glitzy light shows and other non-gambling amenities to tempt customers.

John Palmieri, the CRDA’s executive director, said Borgata’s projects promise to boost tourism and create a “new level of excitement” for Atlantic City’s nightclub and concert atmosphere.

Borgata will team up with show promoter Live Nation to bring top performers to the outdoor concert venue. Dubbed Festival Park, the complex will open June 13 with a daylong music celebration headlined by several bands. Borgata expects to begin announcing performers this month.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to enhance and grow our already tremendous entertainment offerings through funding by the CRDA and a wonderful partnership with Live Nation,” said Tom Ballance, Borgata’s president and chief operating officer. “Upon our entry into the market in 2003, Borgata set the bar for entertainment and nightlife in Atlantic City, so it is only appropriate that we raise it yet again with the addition of these two substantial projects.”

The concert venue will feature some of the biggest DJs in the world, with a series of Electric Dance Music parties, Borgata said in a statement. Festival Park will also play a prominent role in the Savor Borgata Culinary Series, highlighting one of the city’s leading culinary destinations by hosting food and beverage festivals throughout the year.

Since opening in 2003, Borgata has developed a reputation for cutting-edge entertainment. Its partnership with Live Nation as the property’s exclusive booking company has brought in some of the biggest names of music and comedy, including The Who, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Sting, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock.

“We are looking forward to being a part of this new outdoor venue coming to Borgata,” said Geoff Gordon, Live Nation’s Philadelphia regional president. “Borgata Festival Park will be another avenue to bring top-tier entertainment to Atlantic City and highlight all the city has to offer.”

In addition to the concert venue, Borgata plans to open a new nightclub by the end of the year. The theme and name for the new club will be announced later. The new attraction will take the place of Borgata’s MIXX nightclub, a fixture at the casino since it opened.

Joe Lupo, Borgata’s senior vice president of operations, said the new nightclub will have a big-city feel and is intended to keep the casino’s entertainment attractions fresh. Nightclub customers will be entertained by the latest theatrics and lighting effects as well as top Djs. “It will be a first-class, upscale nightclub that will contend with any nightclub in the country,” Lupo said.

New York architectural firm Josh Held Design will help create the nightclub. The firm’s earlier projects include Marquee Nightclub in New York, TAO Restaurant and Nightclub in Las Vegas and Voyeur Nightclub in Los Angeles.