The New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approved a two-year extension of the facilities management services agreement with Spectra by Comcast Spectacor to provide Venue Management to both Historic Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center.

“The CRDA is happy to provide a continuum of service with Spectra,” said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri.  “Spectra’s management team has been successful in bringing world-class entertainment, shows and meetings to Atlantic City’s primary event venues, and in maintaining both buildings for optimum performance.  We look forward to continued success over the next two years.”

“We are particularly proud of our accomplishments at both facilities in Atlantic City and we look forward to further enhancing the customer experience as we, along with our partners at CRDA, create new and exciting opportunities for the region at Boardwalk Hall and the AC Convention Center,” said Spectra’s Tim Murphy, Regional Vice President.

Since taking over the management of both facilities in January of 2014, Spectra has improved operations through capital improvements, upgrades to the fan and performer experience, enhanced event bookings, corporate partnerships and marketing and promotions. Spectra assumed the duties of managing and identifying a five-year Capital Project Plan to ensure that both facilities are preserved and properly maintained, client and patron needs are satisfied, safety and code compliance is met, and revenue generation is maximized; to date 126 capital projects and/or purchases have been initiated.

A strong focus on event booking has resulted in higher paid attendance and revenue numbers.  Spectra’s combined average performance from the first two full years of management services (2014-2015) has improved Gross Ticket Sales by an annual average of $3,746,598.  2015 saw a recent high of 19 concerts held at Boardwalk Hall with over 150,000 tickets sold. Additionally, 2016 projected sponsorship revenues are an 80% increase over revenues realized by the previous management company.

Spectra’s aggressive marketing tactics have taken Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center’s promotional aspects and abilities to the next level through creative promotions, corporate assets, and industry professionalism. Focusing on digital enhancements and promotions, Spectra completed an overhaul of the Boardwalk Hall website and also integrated the Convention Center website with Meet AC’s. These improvements provide more efficient and effective interfaces allowing for better end-user functionality. Additionally, Spectra’s push to grow Boardwalk Hall’s database through a number of tactics (including the industry-leading Chairman of the Boardwalk promotion) has resulted in the following social media growth: Facebook 248%; Twitter 189%; and Instagram 53%.

The extended agreement between the CRDA and Spectra’s Venue Management division now runs through December 31, 2018 and includes one, two-year extension option. Spectra also provides Food Services & Hospitality to both facilities.

About Spectra

Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients at 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum), Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services) and Ticketing & Fan Engagement (formerly Paciolan). Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

About Comcast Spectacor

Comcast Spectacor is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Comcast Spectacor’s three core businesses are the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center venue, and Spectra, the expert in hosting and entertainment through its Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Ticketing & Fan Engagement divisions. Visit us at ComcastSpectacor.com for more information.                                                                                                            

About the CRDA: The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents.  Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, CRDA’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City, resulting in nearly $1 billion in economic development and non-gaming attractions.  In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide since 1984.  CRDA responsibilities include land use regulation, clean and safe initiatives, tourism marketing, and ownership and oversight of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall.  For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com.  Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.

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