Showboat Hotel and the House of Blues in Atlantic City, New Jersey | Photo via Wikimedia Commons
TRENTON, NJ—Showboat, a once popular destination venue in the Atlantic City of Fil-Ams for entertainment shows featuring top actors and local artists like Dolphy, APO Hiking Society, Carmen Patena, and more many years ago, will perhaps return to its original form during its heydays and attract Fil-Am visitors once again.
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a $4.2 million Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program award to support the expansion of the Showboat Family Entertainment Center.
“With this award, Showboat can expand their family-friendly entertainment options and make significant upgrades to continue attracting residents and visitors,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “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.”
According to NJEDA, the project will include an 18,000-square-foot expansion to the Lucky Snake Arcade and Raceway, the purchase and installation of additional arcade games and attractions, the construction of the open-air entryway along the Showboat’s boardwalk facade, extra food and beverage outlets, the installation of a ten-lane bowling alley, and a kids’ play area with private party rooms.
Currently, Showboat is one of the few places in Atlantic City that offers year-round indoor family-friendly entertainment options. This expansion will allow Showboat to update and upgrade its current entertainment center so that it can continue offering reasonably priced entertainment appropriate for families. With these enhancements, Showboat will provide additional educational and sporting activities for local schools and organizations to utilize this space throughout the year.
“Showboat is thrilled with the support of the State of New Jersey in furthering year-round family friendly entertainment in Atlantic City,” said Bart Blatstein, Owner of Showboat Properties, LLC. “Atlantic City has been in the past, and will be again, a world class destination.”
The NJEDA Board also approved allocating nearly $4 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support reopening the Atlantic City Revitalization Grant Program. Grant awards will continue to support up to 50 percent of the costs of capital projects located within Atlantic City. They will now be awarded a minimum of $250,000 and a maximum of $2.5 million. New applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
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 rehabilitating existing structures or new construction. By investing in communities by repurposing underutilized properties, this grant program promotes economic growth and community wealth building within Atlantic City.
“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 Jacquelyn A. Suárez, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees Atlantic City’s budget and finances.
“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.”
“Showboat is thrilled with the support of the State of New Jersey in furthering year-round family friendly entertainment in Atlantic City,” said Bart Blatstein, Owner of Showboat Properties, LLC. “Atlantic City has been in the past, and will be again, a world class destination.”
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
