Hard Rock Live, formerly known as Etess Arena, [1] is a multi-purpose arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey located at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Originally opening in April 1990[2] as a part of the Trump Taj Mahal, the arena seats over 5,000 for music and sporting events.[3]
 | |
| Full name | Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena |
|---|---|
| Former names | The Arena at Trump Taj Mahal (planning/construction) Etess Arena (1990-2016) |
| Address | 1000 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ 08401-7415 |
| Location | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino |
| Coordinates | 39°21′31.15″N 74°25′11.2″W / 39.3586528°N 74.419778°W |
| Public transit | Atlantic City Rail Terminal (via shuttle) |
| Owner | Hard Rock International |
| Operator | Hard Rock Entertainment |
| Capacity | 7,000 5,200 (1991-2016) |
| Construction | |
| Opened | April 28, 1990 |
| Renovated | 2017-18 |
| Closed | October 10, 2016 |
| Reopened | June 29, 2018 |
| Website | |
| Venue Website | |
About
The arena was named after Mark Grossinger Etess, a former president and COO of Trump Plaza, who perished in an October 1989 helicopter crash.[4]
Despite the Indian theme of the Trump Taj Mahal, the Etess Arena was designed with a contemporary feel, based upon the club scene in England.[5]
The venue's first concert performance was by Elton John on May 18, 1990. Donald Trump was originally in negotiations to have Madonna open the venue during her Blond Ambition World Tour (1990), but plans fell through.[6] Her first concert in Atlantic City came 16 years later during with her Confessions Tour, which was held at the Boardwalk Hall.
As part of the hotel/casino complex's sale to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, who rebuilt it as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, the venue reopened as Hard Rock Live on June 29, 2018.[7] Boxing and mixed martial arts matches are also held in the arena.[8]
Noted performers
- Aerosmith
- Alan Jackson
- Alice in Chains
- Alicia Keys
- The Allman Brothers Band
- Backstreet Boys
- Barry Manilow
- Beyoncé
- Bob Dylan
- The Brian Setzer Orchestra
- Britney Spears
- Celine Dion
- Christina Aguilera
- Crosby, Stills & Nash
- Culture Club
- Daughtry
- Dave Chappelle
- Diana Ross
- Donna Summer
- The Doobie Brothers
- Earth, Wind & Fire
- En Vogue
- Elton John
- Fleetwood Mac
- Frankie Beverly and Maze
- Green Day
- Guns N' Roses
- Hall and Oates
- Heart
- Hilary Duff
- James Taylor
- Janet Jackson
- Jennifer Lopez
- The Jonas Brothers
- K-Ci & JoJo
- KC and the Sunshine Band
- Kid Rock
- KISS
- Laura Pausini
- Limp Bizkit
- Lionel Richie
- Little Richard
- Luis Miguel
- Luther Vandross
- Marc Anthony
- Mariah Carey
- Martina McBride
- Michael Bolton
- Michael Crawford
- The Moody Blues
- Natalie Cole
- New Kids On The Block
- Nickelback
- Paramore
- Phil Collins
- Ratdog
- Rick Astley
- Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band
- Rush
- Salt-n-Pepa
- Santana
- Sarah Brightman
- Sarah McLachlan
- Shakira
- Shirley Bassey
- Simon & Garfunkel
- Steve Winwood
- Stevie Nicks
- Stevie Wonder
- Sting
- Village People
- Tina Turner
- Van Halen
- Yes