This is a developing story and will be updated.
People still wondering if Atlantic City casinos will reopen by Fourth of July weekend, we finally have the answer.
Several hours before his scheduled 2:30 p.m. presser, Gov. Phil Murphy shared the following tweet:
BREAKING: On Thursday, July 2nd:
?Casinos may reopen – operating at 25% capacity
?️Indoor dining may resume – limited at first to 25% capacityAdditional health and safety guidance will be released within the next several days. pic.twitter.com/b4jY2fR3sp
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 22, 2020
The news comes after Murphy barely mentioned Atlantic City at all last week, and days after Hard Rock Atlantic City released details of its Safe + Sound plan.
Murphy shares more on Atlantic City reopening
As expected, Atlantic City was a hot topic during Murphy’s Monday afternoon press briefing.
Besides the basic guidelines, “knuckleheads” are being asked to stay home.
Casinos will be permitted to open on July 2nd at 25% capacity.
If any visitor refuses to comply with our simple safeguards, they’ll be escorted out.
We’re not going to tolerate any knuckleheads trying to ruin it for those who wish to enjoy themselves responsibly.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 22, 2020
More importantly, several individuals are involved with putting the plans together.
[email protected] and @NJDCA have been undertaking a series of efforts to prepare for Atlantic City’s restart more broadly.
Our administration has made stabilizing Atlantic City a top priority and we’re not going to let #COVID19 allow those efforts to backslide.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 22, 2020
More specifics regarding the Atlantic City reopening plans are expected this week.
What Atlantic City casinos are saying
Obviously, Atlantic City casino executives are happy about the news. Play NJ caught up with Joe Lupo, the president of Hard Rock AC.
“We are extremely grateful to Governor Murphy and his team for providing us with a reopening date prior to the Fourth of July weekend. We have been working hard over the last several months to prepare for reopening by implementing thorough cleaning processes, enhancing air quality and initiating a partnership with health officials focused on contact tracing, training programs, telehealth and more,” said Lupo.
“We look forward to welcoming our guests and team members back to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City with new “Safe + Sound” protocols, ensuring good clean fun.”
Ocean Casino Resort, like Hard Rock, is celebrating its second anniversary this month. And like its neighbor, its team is gearing up for reopening day.
Terry Glebocki, CEO at Ocean, commented about the plans.
“We are thrilled to reopen our doors on July 2 and welcome back our guests. We have implemented enhanced cleaning initiatives to complement the exceptional level of service and rewards that our guests have come to expect,” said Glebocki.
“Built in 2012, we have state-of-the-art air filtration systems that continually utilize 100% fresh outside air. Ocean offers over 6 million square feet of space, 50-foot-high casino ceilings and spacious open areas, perfect for social distancing. Ocean has been thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom, and we are excited to reopen.”
Ocean is even using its iconic rooftop ball to do the official reopening countdown. It starts today at dusk and will continue through July 2.
And Resorts is using social media platforms for its countdown.
In just 10 days we can welcome you back to Resorts. We will reopen to the public on July 2nd. Stay tuned for details. pic.twitter.com/bQW3uAk1IM
— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) June 22, 2020
