ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – (February 9, 2026):  The strategic partnership between the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and Visit Atlantic City is producing measurable results, with a coordinated entertainment initiative generating more than $1 million in revenue while creating more than 3,000 jobs and $1.26 million in wages for local workers.

Following the February 2025 consolidation of leisure marketing under Visit Atlantic City, CRDA and Visit Atlantic City established a disciplined framework for evaluating entertainment investments based on audience diversity, revenue potential, and job creation metrics.

The first major initiative under this structure brought five world-class events to historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall over 12 non-consecutive days in 2025: the Eimantas Stanionis vs. Jaron Ennis boxing championship, Stevie Nicks, Vybz Kartel, Lil Wayne, and The Who. The intentionally diverse programming attracted different audiences from across the region, generating 24,200 work hours and substantial economic impact across multiple sectors.

"Our partnership with Visit Atlantic City ensures entertainment decisions are based on an analysis of potential impact,” said Eric Scheffler, CRDA Executive Director. “These results validate that approach: significant revenue generation, thousands of jobs created, and proof that Atlantic City can attract diverse, world-class entertainment.”

The diverse programming proved critical to success. Vybz Kartel drew Caribbean communities from New York and Philadelphia, Lil Wayne brought younger hip hop audiences, Stevie Nicks and The Who attracted classic rock fans from around the world, while the Ennis fight pulled boxing enthusiasts nationwide. From stagehands and security personnel to hospitality workers and vendors, the economic impact extended well beyond ticket sales.

“This initiative shows how strategic partnerships and compelling entertainment help tell Atlantic City’s story to new and returning visitors,” said Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City. “By working with the CRDA and our citywide partners to bring diverse, world-class events to the destination, we’re driving visitation, expanding our audience reach, and reinforcing Atlantic City’s position as a dynamic, must-visit year-round destination.”

"This initiative proves our restructured approach works," said Modia Butler, CRDA Board Chair. "The metrics speak for themselves: more than $1 million in revenue and 3,000 jobs created, demonstrating what strategic collaboration can do for our community."

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority's mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state's key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA's expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com, and follow us on Facebook and X.

About Visit Atlantic City
Visit Atlantic City is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to create economic development through leisure tourism, conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism.

Atlantic City is a premier travel destination on the East Coast with the first Boardwalk to open in the United States. Attracting visitors with its diverse array of tourism offerings, Atlantic City is home to nine casino resorts, an eclectic culinary scene, vibrant history, thrilling entertainment and family-friendly adventures, making it the ultimate destination where celebrations live on and inspire visitors to create memory making moments.

For complete Atlantic City tourism and convention information, visit www.visitatlanticcity.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.