When people think of visiting Atlantic City, they often think of the non-stop excitement of gaming and nightlife, the beach, the world’s first boardwalk, and the resort’s long history as the former host of the Miss America pageant.

Yet there are many exciting things to see and do in Atlantic City, from New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse to deep sea fishing, and everything in between. Relax at one of the Atlantic City’s casino spas, dine at world-class restaurants, shop ‘til you drop at the Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk, or enjoy activities such as surfing, kayaking, and windsurfing on Atlantic City’s beautiful beaches.

You will find antique shops, museums and cultural attractions, piers, arcades, amusements and trolley tours all within Atlantic City. A short drive away you'll find wineries, museums and cultural attractions such as Lucy the Elephant, the Renault Winery, and historic Cape May.

One of the most historic venues in Atlantic City is right on the boardwalk. Historic Boardwalk Hall has played host to a large variety of live entertainment including the Miss America Pageant during its 81 year history.

Built in 1929 to host the city's growing convention industry, the Atlantic City Convention Hall, as it was formerly known, was hailed as an architectural marvel at that time with its large 137 foot-high barrel vault ceiling.

A year after opening, Convention Hall hosted the nation's first indoor college football game and the Army Air Forces used the Hall as a headquarters and training facility during World War II. The country's first indoor helicopter flight was made here in 1970, and Boardwalk Hall was listed on the United State Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Early on Convention Hall played host to top performers of the day including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and the big band orchestras of Louis Armstrong, Count Basie and Woody Herman.

After three years of renovation and restoration that started in 1998, the building was transformed into a modern special events arena. "Boardwalk Hall," as it was renamed, was officially re-opened on October 11, 2001.

Since re-opening, Boardwalk Hall has hosted world-class entertainers and national touring productions such as icons Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen and Andrea Bocelli. Boardwalk Hall has also showcased exciting professional boxing matches, the annual Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship, Professional Bull Riders, and WWE. From 2011 through 2013, Boardwalk Hall will be home to the ECAC Hockey Men's Championship.

In recent years leading trade publications including Billboard Magazine and Venues Today have ranked Boardwalk Hall as one of the top grossing mid-sized arenas in North America and the world.

Upcoming Events at Boardwalk Hall
• 7/29/2011 – New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys
• 8/6/2011 – Britney Spears Femme Fatale Tour with Nicki Minaj
• 8/13/2011 – American Idols Live!
• 9/3/2011 – 9/4/11 - 2nd Annual Atlantic City Comedy Festival

Tickets to all Boardwalk Hall events can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling 800-736-1420 or at ticketmaster.com.

For more information on Boardwalk Hall, visit www.boardwalkhall.com . For more information on visiting Atlantic City, visit Atlantic City www.atlanticcitynj.com.