Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall To Generate $75M In Economic Impact

Atlantic City’s Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is set to generate more than $75 million in economic impact for the city, according to Visit Atlantic City. The venue just wrapped up the two-day Atlantic City Comedy Festival, which took place on Oct. 11 and 12, and is set to host a performance from Stevie Nicks on Oct. 18.

“Atlantic City has long been a premier destination for world-class entertainment, and Oak View Group’s leadership in bringing in the top concerts and sports strengthens that position,” Eric Scheffler, Executive Director for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, said in a statement. “At the center of it all is Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, a historic venue that remains a powerful driver of tourism and economic growth by attracting visitors from across the region and supporting local jobs and businesses.”

Since Jan. 1, the venue has hosted 235,500 attendees, according to Jim McDonald, general manager of the venue, which is run by Oak View Group (Pollstar‘s parent company). According to Visit Atlantic City, the city is set to gain over $75 million from visitors to the venue, based on an economic factor of $3.2 million for every 10,000 attendees.

“Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is a historic venue with a rich legacy, and we have had an incredible 2025 with a lineup featuring a wide range of musical genres,” McDonald said in a statement. “We have so many more great artists and sporting attractions for the remainder of the year into 2026. We are grateful to the promoters, agents, managers and tours who have routed through Atlantic City this year and we look forward to bringing more great shows to Atlantic City and continuing to revitalize the live entertainment scene here at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.”

Upcoming events at the venue include Disney On Ice’s “Jump In!” on Nov. 7-9 and “The Boy Is Mine Tour” featuring Brandy & Monica with special guests Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts on Nov. 26. In 2026, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is set to host “All Stars of Hip Hop” featuring Public Enemy, KRS One Montell Jordan, Furious 5 and Sugarhill Gang and Schoolly D on Jan. 18; The R&B Lovers featuring Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill and Genuwine on Feb. 14; The Harlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary Tour on Feb. 16; and Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton on March 28. Other recent performances include Mary J. Blige, who played Boardwalk Hall in March.

“Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall stands as one of Atlantic City’s most iconic and cherished landmarks, and we’re thrilled to see it welcome an incredible lineup of legendary performers to its stage this year,” Gary Musich, President and CEO of Visit Atlantic City, said in a statement. “As we transition from the vibrant summer season into the vibrant fall and winter months, world-class entertainment remains a powerful driver for tourism. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall continues to set the standard, cementing Atlantic City’s reputation as a premier destination for music, comedy and unforgettable live experiences.”

Highlights from this year’s shows include Kane Brown’s “High Roads Tour” on May 17, Vybz Kartel on June 14, Los Digres Del Norte on Sept. 19, Lil Wayne on Aug. 2 and The Who performing their farewell North American Tour.

In 2026, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall will again host the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Basketball Championships from March 5-10. The games will feature the league’s top 10 teams and be broadcast on ESPN channels.

The venue first opened in 1929, and was originally built to be Atlantic City’s convention center. In 2001, the Boardwalk reopened after a $90 million renovation that allowed it to transform into a special events arena seating up to 14,770 people.