Polistina: Atlantic City Convention Center Needs Investment, Better Wi-Fi and Cleaner Surroundings

ATLANTIC CITY — State Sen. Vince Polistina says leaders of major conventions that bring tens of thousands of visitors and millions of dollars into Atlantic City are raising concerns about the condition and capabilities of the Atlantic City Convention Center.

Polistina said during an appearance on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick that he had met a day earlier with people involved in conventions held in Atlantic City, including representatives associated with the city's major boat and pool-and-spa shows.

What he heard, Polistina said, should get the attention of city and state leaders.

“There are some concerns there and some challenges there that we heard about directly from some of the people that run the boat show, that run the pool and spa show, that run these conventions across these cities nationwide,” Polistina said.

Among the issues they raised, according to the senator: the need for additional investment in the Convention Center, better Wi-Fi and improvements to areas surrounding the building.

Polistina specifically cited “the need for investment back into the convention center, about the need for Wi-Fi at the convention center, about the need to clean up some of the areas outside of the convention center.”

“We have our work cut out for us here,” he said.

Conventions Mean Millions to Atlantic City

The concerns carry added weight because the two shows Polistina mentioned are significant pieces of Atlantic City's convention business.

Visit Atlantic City estimated that the Pool & Spa Show, held at the Convention Center in January, would attract approximately 12,000 attendees, generate 8,259 hotel room nights and produce more than $13.3 million in economic impact.

The Discover Boating Atlantic City Boat Show, held in February and March, was expected to draw approximately 40,000 attendees and generate an estimated $8.8 million in economic impact.

The boat show's organizers describe it as a longtime Atlantic City event that draws tens of thousands of visitors to see hundreds of boats, equipment and exhibits.

And the Pool & Spa Show isn't leaving Atlantic City — at least not at this point. Organizers have already announced that the show will return to the Atlantic City Convention Center Jan. 26-28, 2027.

That makes maintaining Atlantic City's competitiveness as a convention destination particularly important as cities around the country compete for major trade shows and meetings.

Convention Center Has Received Investment

Polistina's comments come even as substantial investment is already underway in the city's public entertainment and convention facilities.

In February 2025, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority announced a $77 million Energy Savings Infrastructure Program focused on the Atlantic City Convention Center and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

CRDA said the project was designed to modernize energy systems, reduce operating costs and introduce newer technology at the facilities.

The authority also approved approximately $4.4 million in infrastructure investments for Boardwalk Hall and the Convention Center in July 2025.

But Polistina's account suggests that some of the people actually producing major conventions believe more needs to be done — particularly in areas visitors and exhibitors experience directly.

The Pool & Spa Show's own exhibitor information illustrates how important connectivity has become to modern conventions. Its Convention Center service materials include internet and phone services among the utilities exhibitors can order for their booths.

‘The Region Depends on the City’

Polistina placed the Convention Center concerns within a much broader warning about Atlantic City's economic future.

He said competition from New York, declining casino profitability and the growth of online gambling and prediction markets are putting additional pressure on the resort.

But he also argued Atlantic City's future cannot depend exclusively on gambling.

Polistina pointed to Stockton University, AtlantiCare, plans involving the Temple University School of Medicine and residential development as pieces of a broader effort to transform Atlantic City into a more diversified community.

“We need it to transform from just a gaming destination, as we needed for a long time, into more of a college town atmosphere, walkable atmosphere,” Polistina said.

He then delivered a warning about the stakes for communities beyond Atlantic City itself.

“The region depends on the city, and we better get our act together quickly.”

Near the end of the interview, Polistina returned to the Convention Center issue.

“Convention Center needs investment,” he said.

“It is a frightening time right now,” Polistina added. “We really need to get together and get some things done.”