Trenton, NJ – Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno today joined New Jersey Devils Chairman and Managing Partner Jeff Vanderbeek and Devils President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello to announce the return of Albany Devils hockey to Atlantic City, with four regular season games scheduled to be played at Boardwalk Hall as part of the team’s upcoming 2012-13 schedule. These games are building off the successful five minor league games played during the 2010-2011 season and the 2012 AHL All-Star game, giving fans the opportunity to see the future stars of the Devils and the NHL. The announcement secures another significant sports and entertainment event in New Jersey and bolsters Atlantic City’s tourism economy
“Tourism is one of New Jersey’s largest and most popular industries, generating $38 billion in economic activity and 312,000 jobs. Albany Devils hockey games are the kind of events that are sure to spur the local economy through money spent at restaurants, shops and casino hotels,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Events such as these make Atlantic City one of New Jersey’s premiere family entertainment destinations and support both the regional and state economies.”
Since taking office, the Christie Administration has taken strategic, comprehensive efforts to ensure New Jersey continues to be a leading destination for sports and entertainment events. To reinvigorate the state’s tourism promotion activities, the Christie Administration has consolidated the structure of all current government tourism promotion activities and operations under a realigned New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
“The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority now operates with a tourism-centric purpose, as a "one-stop shop” for tourism, travel, exhibitions and athletic events in the state,” continued Lt. Governor Guadagno. “This ‘one-stop shop’ model is working for New Jersey’s business community. Our Partnership for Action has been instrumental for assisting both big corporate and small neighborhood businesses to stay and grow in the Garden State. This is important when you realize that the tourism industry ranks third in the state after pharmaceuticals and chemicals.”
In addition to hosting Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in 2014, the Garden State is welcoming numerous sporting events, concerts and tournaments including Wrestle Mania, America’s Got Talent, Formula 1 Grand Prix Racing and the 2014 Special Olympics National Games.
