The Playground is Bringing Music and Fun to Atlantic City

Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said, "We want to be the World's Playground" again - and, with that the Mayor kicked off a heavily attended press conference announcing the future of The Pier Shops at Caesar's.

The new endeavor will be called "The Playground",  will feature 14 venues for live music, including a large concert space that will accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

According to developer Bart Blatstein, the first floor of the building will be known as "T Steet" (T for Tower, referring to the owner, Tower Investments) The concept is inspired by live music streets of places like Nashville and Memphis.  The water fountains currently at the Pier will be removed.

Outside, there will be a large beachfront music venue on the northside of the building --- where last summer's free beach concerts took place.

Also featured at The Playground will be a private over-21 beach club, with a pool adjacent to the pier - the only pool actually on the beach in the United States.

The second floor of the re-imaged building will feature a large bowling alley, that will also feature an array of music, food, and drink. The highlight of the third floor will  be a massive sports-viewing facility. Private events, meetings and more will eventually be possible on the fourth floor.

"This will become the number one tourist attraction in Atlantic City. I guarantee it", said Blatstein.  As far as the timeline, Blatstein says plans call  for the first floor music venues to be up and running by July 4th, with much of the other amenities being finished by the end of the year.

Blatstein said the building will be remodeled with a lot more windows and open space. He added that valet parking will be added "by next week."

Most of the current tenants, high-end retailers and restaurants, are expected to stay. Bartstein says when completed, he expects The Playground to employ 500 people over and above the number of people currently employed in the building.

State Senator Stephen Sweeney was among those who addressed over 200 attendees. Sweeney said, :This is the beginning of the new Atlantic City. This is the first of several exciting new projects.

Bartstein says there will be live music each week, all year-round. "We are going to be the live event capital of the East Coast."