In the race to get shuttered Atlantic City resorts back in operation, Showboat beat out Revel.
Showboat officially reopened on Friday, this time with no gambling options for the resort that closed its doors back in 2014.
Other than the fact that AC’s casinos seemed to have found equilibrium again after four gaming establishments closed two years ago, it’s one of the few bits of good news for the troubled town.
Showboat, version 2.0
Showboat had planned to hold a soft open for its newest iteration. But after Revel’s soft opening didn’t actually happen last month, there was at least a chance Showboat would encounter the same fate.
But the resort did indeed open its doors on a limited basis this week.
For right now, Showboat is basically just a hotel — with 852 functioning rooms — and no plans to become a casino again. It’s also retaining the name for the time being, with plans to rebrand in 2017.
The Associated Press reported on the reopening:
“It removes one of the eyesores,” Atlantic City Councilman Marty Small told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “It’s a big day for the city of Atlantic City. It’s a win.”
The opening was done without much pomp or circumstance and Blatstein told The Press of Atlantic City he didn’t want to “over promise and under-deliver.”
You can see video from the launch here.
What’s next for Showboat and Blatstein?
The plans, as of now, appear to be just that, but reopening at all is a major step for Showboat, which also has a restaurant and coffeehouse in operation.
There are plans for more places to eat and other entertainment options at the property.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, here is what else Blatstein has in store for the area:
Blatstein’s other major investment in Atlantic City, the Pier at Caesars, which he turned into the Playground, has seen some rocky moments. Blatstein said Friday that the Wav Nightclub, which had occupied the former 39 North concert space that failed last summer, had once again “transitioned” and would now be a comedy club with other acts as well. The rest of the space features several bars and retail stores.
The one bright spot for AC
The reopening of Showboat is welcome news for a city under fire. News for AC has generally not been good in recent weeks and months:
- Several casinos narrowly avoided what could have been crippling strikes, although the Trump Taj Mahal is entering week two of a work stoppage.
- The state approved a plan for bailing out AC, although it could still result in the state government taking over control over the city.
- A referendum this fall that would allow casinos in North Jersey has some predicting doom for AC casinos, should it pass.
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