Plan your next sporting event where history is made. Atlantic City's legacy of hosting iconic moments sets the stage for your gathering to become legendary. Explore Atlantic City's storied sports past and see how your tournament, gala, or expo can be a part of history.
1929 to Now: Iconic Moments at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Since 1929, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall has witnessed countless historic moments, a testament to Atlantic City's enduring commitment to sports. Originally named Convention Hall, this versatile arena quickly became a hub for athletic events, with the nation's first indoor college football game held in 1930.
Boardwalk Hall’s legendary status grew over the years. It became home to the Atlantic City Seagulls, an amateur hockey team that wowed fans from 1930 to 1952. Beyond traditional sports, Boardwalk Hall embraced the adrenaline-fueled excitement of midget car racing in the late 1930s and continues to host the "Gambler's Classic" Indoor Auto Racing Championship today.
In the 1960s, Boardwalk Hall further cemented its place in history by hosting the first-ever in the nation regulation indoor soccer match. The thrilling showdown between the Ukrainian Sports Club NY and the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals drew a crowd of over 3,000, marking another milestone for this iconic venue.
Boxing has always held a special place in Atlantic City's sporting landscape. Legends like Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, and George Foreman have graced rings at Boardwalk Hall and throughout our casino resorts, delivering unforgettable performances that cemented their status as all-time greats.
In addition to these male boxing legends, our city has also witnessed the rise of female boxing stars, with Claressa Shields becoming the undisputed middleweight champion at Boardwalk Hall in 2019. Her victory marked a watershed moment for women's boxing and further established Atlantic City as a destination for groundbreaking athletic achievements.
These are just a few of the historic events that have graced Boardwalk Hall.
Citywide Sports History: From the Boardwalk to Courses
Atlantic City's vibrant sports history encompasses our four-mile stretch of beaches and Boardwalk as well as our surrounding communities.
The Atlantic City Marathon, established in 1958 and held on the iconic Boardwalk, is the third oldest continuing marathon in the United States. This annual event attracts thousands of runners and showcases our city's commitment to health and wellness. It's a cornerstone of our AC Marathon Series, which features other exciting races throughout the year. The Boardwalk also served as the dynamic backdrop for the AC Triathlon, USA Triathlon, the Ironman 70.3, and numerous other sporting events.
Atlantic City's sporting legacy extends beyond the Boardwalk to our area’s world-class golf courses. The Seaview Hotel hosts the prestigious ShopRite LPGA Classic every summer. And here’s a fun fact: the term "birdie" was coined in 1903 at the Atlantic City Country Club.
Plan Your Next Event in Atlantic City
Atlantic City's rich sporting history provides a captivating backdrop for any event. Whether you're looking to host a major tournament, a corporate outing, or a community gathering, our city's rich venues and passionate fans will create an unforgettable experience.
Contact the Atlantic City Sports Commission today to learn more about how we can help you plan your next successful event!
Let's continue to write history together in Atlantic City, a city where sporting legends are made and dreams are realized.