July Atlantic City Boardwalk Talk: Beyond Van Gogh, Caesars Pool Update and Funambula

When it comes to Atlantic City casinos, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the place to find a who’s who entertainment lineup.

Besides Saturday’s sold-old Sam Hunt concert, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (July 30), Alicia Keys (Aug. 6) and Rod Stewart (Aug. 19) are coming soon.

Then there is Van Gogh. Yes, we are talking about the artist Vincent Van Gogh. Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience summer residency is ongoing through Sunday, Aug. 28 in the Seminole Ballroom.

Hours are Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Adult tickets start at $49.99.

What makes this exhibit different is how the paintings come to life with the use of cutting-edge 3D technology and music. Think of it as a much more eye-opening experience than your typical art museum.

During the recent preview night, Play NJ caught up with Fanny Curtat. She is an art history consultant for the Beyond Van Gogh project. Curtat explains putting this immersive experience together requires “a lot of people and a lot of time.”

“Mind you we created everything in six months which was pretty quick considering the scale of a project like this. It took knowledge from Paquin Entertainment Group and  Normal Studio, which has the expertise of this black magic that makes everything work,” Curtat said. “And then they needed somebody on the other end of the spectrum that knew more about the history of Van Gogh and that’s when I came in.”

And what people may or may not realize is that the plans came together during the pandemic. So social distancing and adapting to regulations in different places needed to be considered.

“It was about bringing different skill sets to have the story of Vincent’s work told in a different way, and in a compelling way,” Curtat said.

Local 54 and Atlantic City casino update

Agreements between Local 54 members and seven Atlantic City casinos are in place.

Thanks to a last-minute agreement, strikes have been avoided. At the time of this writing, workers at Resorts and Golden Nugget are still without contracts. According to a post on the Local 54 website, members are looking for their employers to “agree to the new citywide standard of wages and working conditions.”

A strike authorization vote was penciled in for Tuesday.

Resorts and Golden Nugget are AC’s two smallest properties.

From an NJ gambling perspective, things are off to a strong start this summer with June land-based revenue coming in at $229 million, which is up 6.8% year over year.

How to celebrate National Hot Dog Day in AC

Bally’s Atlantic City plans on giving away thousands of hot dogs on Wednesday, July 20. And there is a very good reason why.

Call it the perfect way to celebrate National Hot Dog Day. However, the deal only applies to overnight hotel guests checking in on Wednesday. When checking in, you’ll receive two free hot dog coupons to redeem at Bally’s Beach Bar from noon to 7 p.m. on July 20 only.

Additionally, the Bally’s C.R.E.W team along with Dietz & Watson and Sysco Philadelphia are teaming up to donate 500 hot dogs and rolls to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Is Caesars Atlantic City rooftop pool & bar open yet?

For Caesars Atlantic City hotel guests wondering if the new rooftop pool & bar is opening, the answer is yes.

Based on the latest update posted on its website, the revamped area overlooking the Boardwalk and beach is scheduled to open this Friday, July 22. It’s part of a much bigger $200-million property transformation by parent company Caesars Entertainment. 

As far as the pool area is concerned, guests will enjoy two levels of seating with modern lounge chairs, daybeds and cabanas.

On a side note, the pool at Bally’s AC also reopened this month. Here is a look at the updated summer amenities available to AC casino visitors.

Funambula demonstration at Borgata surface lot

“America’s Got Talent” fans might be familiar with the name Bello Nock, aka Funambula. The former contestant is billed as “the world’s greatest comedic daredevil.” And he’ll be doing eight performances at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa starting Thursday night.

Those who are unfamiliar with what this “Cirque-style extravaganza” is all about, there is a special free demonstration taking place in the Borgata surface parking lot Wednesday at 2 p.m. and it’s open to the public.

Nock’s signature “Globe of Death” stunt will be part of the performances. So if you’ve never seen it, be outside by the BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar entrance just before 2 p.m.

All Funambula performances will be taking place inside the Music Box. Tickets ($26.24 each) are still available.

And for those who missed Nock’s AGT appearance, here is a little taste of his comedic daredevil routine.