Bally's Atlantic City is paying some much-needed attention to its Claridge tower by recently debuting theRidge, a hybrid of a bar with casino games that offers a "high-energy party atmosphere in a casual environment"
Located on the Claridge gaming floor steps away from the connector to Bally's, theRidge is labeled a "rock 'n' roll-style entertainment and gaming room," and offers free live music, DJs, dueling pianos, drink specials, low table game limits, unique games and cool promotions that include Rock, Paper, Scissors tournaments and other promotions with a non-stop party vibe.
"Harrah's Entertainment Atlantic City offers a dynamic variety of experiences, both gaming and non-gaming, for all of our customers across all our properties in Atlantic City," says Vice President of Marketing D'Ann Glen. "TheRidge is an opportunity to give our younger and perhaps edgier customers a place where they can hang out comfortably with their friends in an atmosphere that is completely unique to the city."
Some of unique games that you may find in theRidge include: "Ridge Roulette," where three players spin a wheel, and the closest to the best prize wins that prize; "Blackjack Bonus," where blackjack players hit blackjack and are entered into a drawing to play one hand against a dealer for prizes; "Double Your Luck," where players roll two dice in hopes that they form a pair to win, with snake eyes paying $1,111; and "War," where you draw against the dealer and the highest card wins.
Bally's built a wall separating theRidge from the gateway between Bally's and the Claridge, installed a dance floor, a DJ table, portable bars, lounge seating - including couches and hightop booths - and pods of gaming tables.
TheRidge offers regular drink specials and will offer other specials in the future presented by beverage companies.
Entertainment will be featured on Fridays and Saturdays and holiday weekends. And the "wacky" promotions will mostly be held on weekends, as well.
"What we wanted to do was offer an inclusive party spot that's a fusion of gaming and entertainment and sort of wacky stuff," says Director of Marketing Danny Brockdorf. "We didn't really want to roll it out to the public in a big way until we were sure we were delivering what we wanted to promise. And last weekend, the party went later than ever, and it was overwhelmingly successful. We really wanted a place that creates a great social, casual environment."
Rock & Pop Art
Gallery continues
The Boogie Nights Rock & Pop Art Gallery will continue this weekend with a new collection. Rock star photographer Mark Weiss will be back for a joint exhibit with artist Michael Godard on July 11, 18 and 25.
But this weekend, "The Classic Rock Art Show" will showcase artists such as The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen and Led Zeppelin to coincide with classic rockers Bad Company performing in the Superstar Theatre on July 4.
The exhibit, located on the dining level near Capriccio and Boogie Nights, will take place 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, and will boast art and memorabilia that includes handwritten song lyrics, gold records, photographs, paintings, original drawings and more, all which are for sale. The show is free and open to the public. To preview items, go to www.rockartshow.com.
'Warrior' scene
filmed in A.C.
Academy Award nominated actor Nick Nolte ("Affliction," "The Prince ot Tides") filmed scenes for his latest film, "Warrior" throughout Atlantic City last weekend, including Resorts Atlantic City. Nolte, who has starred in "48 Hrs.," "Tropic Thunder" and many other flicks, stayed in a suite at Resorts, where he was seen all weekend.
The Lionsgate action/drama is centered around an ex-Marine who is haunted by a tragic past and returns home to enlist his father (Nolte), a recovered alcoholic and former coach, to train him for a Mixed Martial Arts tournament.
The Atlantic Contemporary Ballet Theatre's Performing Arts Camp Summer Intensive students participated in filming, as well. Two of the six pieces the students were performing in Kennedy Plaza were picked by Director Gavin O'Connor to be filmed, including the classical ballet piece, "Vivaldi," and a jazz piece, "Chicago."
Each piece had to be filmed at least six times at different angles, and the students worked through a long, hot afternoon to get the job done.
"The Warrior" is scheduled to be released in 2010.
Dusk opens
Dusk, the new nightclub at Caesars Atlantic City, celebrated a soft opening with an invitation-only party last weekend. The highlight of the cool, new club was an impromptu performance by Benji and Joel Madden, the brothers who form the core of Good Charlotte.
Ed Hardy Swimwear Event packs Pool
The Pool at Harrah's Resort was packed last weekend as onlookers hooted and hollered for models sporting the latest Ed Hardy Swimwear designs. The show, produced by JEM Entertainment, featured three sets and more than 20 swimsuits from the 2010 line.
Celebrity sighting
Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Darren Daulton hung out at the Tropicana Casino and Resort last weekend, eating at P.F. Chang's, mingling with guests and taking photos.
Walk with a dinosaur
To promote "Walking with Dinosaurs - The Arena Spectacular Show" that will come to Boardwalk Hall Sept. 2 to 6, producers of the show will bring Baby T. Rex from the show to the Atlantic City Boardwalk, outside Boardwalk Hall, at noon on Thursday, July 9.
A short program, detailing the arena show, will be highlighted by a visit from the dinosaur, which will stomp through the Boardwalk Hall doors to the Boardwalk.
Claridge reunion
Anyone interested in reuniting for an evening of fun and trading "war stories" regarding the Claridge should set aside July 10, because longtime Claridge employee Desiree Ross is putting together a reunion at Gardner's Basin for anyone who has ever worked at the casino.
In fact, Ross is inviting everyone who even just liked to hang out and gamble at the Claridge. Called the "smallest casino with the biggest heart" by former Atlantic City Mayor Jim Whelan, the Claridge holds a special place in the heart of many.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. event are $10, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the March of Dime of South Jersey. Call 609-432-8746 for more details.
Players hit Bad Beat
On Tuesday, 10 poker players at the Tropicana Casino and Resort split the casino's $235,969.57 Bad Beat Poker Jackpot that has been building for the last month.
The latest win brings the total amount awarded since the introduction of the jackpot in July 2008 to more than $1.8 million.
Margaret Harding of Ridge, Md., didn't win the $77 pot, but her pocket fives and four of a kind in the flop scored her the biggest chunk of the jackpot: $99,387. The winner, Edward Tillinghast of Cinnaminson took home $47,193 thanks to his straight flush on the turn. The remaining eight players each received $11,798.
The Bad Beat Jackpot is a player-funded progressive jackpot that occurs when a player with a strong hand that looks like a favorite to win loses to a player who ends up catching am even better hand.
- Scott Cronick