By Joshua Burd
A major expansion is coming to Atlantic City’s Showboat Resort, now a family entertainment destination, with the help of more than $4 million in newly approved funding by the state.
The Economic Development Authority on Friday said the grant will support a plan that includes an 18,000-square-foot addition to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Raceway, as well as the purchase and installation of additional arcade games and attractions. The project also calls for the construction of the open-air entryway along the Showboat’s boardwalk facade, additional food and beverage outlets, the installation of a 10-lane bowling alley and a kids play area with private party rooms.
The $4.2 million award via the EDA’s Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program will provide another boost to the former casino property, which developer Bart Blatstein acquired in 2016. That led to a multiphase plan to reimagine the venue, giving way to the arcade, a sports bar, indoor spaces for live entertainment and improved convention and meeting spaces, as well as a recently completed, $100 million indoor waterpark.
The EDA’s board last month also allocated nearly $4 million in supplement funding to help reopen the application window for the Atlantic City grant program in the coming months, allowing it to continue to support construction projects throughout the resort town.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has focused on investing in Atlantic City to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth that will have an impact for years to come,” said Tim Sullivan, the authority’s CEO. “With this award, Showboat can expand their family-friendly entertainment options and make significant upgrades to continue attracting residents and visitors. The NJEDA is excited to reopen applications for the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program so we can continue supporting major redevelopment projects, bolster small businesses, enhance downtown vitality and create good-paying jobs to uplift families throughout the city.”
Jacquelyn A. Suárez, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees Atlantic City’s budget and finances, added: “The Showboat Family Entertainment Center has ushered in a new era for Atlantic City — one that offers attractions for families with children of all ages,” said “We’re excited by the success of the family-friendly Showboat and are thrilled it is already expanding to include more attractions for kids and the young at heart. This venue demonstrates that creative projects can flourish in Atlantic City and that the Murphy Administration stands ready to support such projects that positively impact the community.”
The EDA noted that, currently, Showboat is one of the few places in Atlantic City that offers year-round indoor family-friendly entertainment options. The latest expansion will allow for the property to update and upgrade its current entertainment center so that it may continue offering reasonably priced entertainment that is appropriate for families.
With the enhancements, Showboat will now also look to offer additional educational and sporting activities for local schools and organizations to use the space throughout the year, according to a news release.
“Showboat is thrilled with the support of the state of New Jersey in furthering year-round family friendly entertainment in Atlantic City,” said Blatstein, owner of Showboat Properties LLC and CEO of Philadelphia-based Tower Investments LLC. “Atlantic City has been in the past, and will be again, a world class destination.”
Approved in December 2023, the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program focuses on addressing the negative impacts of COVID-19 by supporting real estate development projects, including the rehabilitation of existing structures or new construction, the news release said. Grant awards will continue to support up to 50 percent of costs of capital projects located within Atlantic City and will now be awarded at a minimum of $250,000 and a maximum of $2.5 million, as the EDA looks to accept new applications on a rolling basis.
Blatstein details $50 million room, common area renovation at Showboat
