ATLANTIC CITY (CelebrityAccess) – Hard Rock (the former Trump Taj Mahal) and the Ocean Resort Casino (the former Revel) are both having grand opening ceremonies in Atlantic City this morning (June 28).
Following a two-year stretch in which five of the city’s 12 casinos closed, the reopenings have generated a sort of cautious optimism that perhaps things are once again looking up for the famed seaside gambling town.
To celebrate, Hard Rock will be hosting a mass guitar smash on the Boardwalk at 11 a.m. while Ocean Resort has a ribbon-cutting scheduled for 1 p.m..
Of course, both establishments have been fitted with their fair share of upgrades, for example in the entrance of the Hard Rock patrons can now expect to see Elvis Presley’s Rolls Royce and a giant replica of a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar (cherry sunburst model) on display. Additionally, music fans can check out gowns worn by Stevie Nicks and Whitney Houston, a leather stage outfit worn by Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry, and guitars played by Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and Katy Perry.
Hell, there’s even a New Jersey memorabilia room that features items that once belonged to the likes of Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Bon Jovi, Wyclef Jean, Southside Johnny, and a Western Union telegram confirming a $20,000 payment for Ray Charles to perform a concert on Atlantic City’s Steel Pier in 1978.
Oh, and the place also now allows smoking and has six swimming pools.
If Ocean Resort is more your speed, you can expect to see them reviving some of Revel’s most popular features including an outdoor pool day club, and a rock ‘n’ roll burlesque club.
