Hard Rock Live (Atlantic City)


Hard Rock Live is a multi-purpose arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey located at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Originally opening in April 1990 as a part of the Trump Taj Mahal, the arena seats over 5,000 for music and sporting events.

About

The arena was named after Mark Grossinger Etess, a former president and COO of Trump Plaza. Etess died in a helicopter crash in October 1989.
Despite the Indian theme of the Trump Taj Mahal, the Etess Arena was contemporary, based upon the club scene in England.
The venue's first concert performance was by Elton John on May 18, 1990. Donald Trump was originally in negotiations to have Madonna open the venue during her Blond Ambition World Tour but plans fell through. Her first concert in Atlantic City came 16 years later with her Confessions Tour, which was held at the Boardwalk Hall.
The arena reopened on June 29, 2018 as part of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Boxing and mixed martial arts matches are held in the arena.

Noted performers