Boardwalk Hall History

Before it was renovated and renamed Boardwalk Hall, the building was called The Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall.

The Atlantic City Convention Hall originally opened in 1929. The Hall was constructed without roof posts and pillars, and in its day, was considered an engineering marvel. It had 268,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 20 conference rooms. It also had, what was at the time, the world's largest stage,
measuring 110 feet wide and 85 feet deep.

Many famous events were held there including: The 1964 Democratic Convention where Lyndon B. Johnson was nominated, the Miss America Pageants and the world's first indoor football game. The Beatles played there, as did Pavarotti, The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Barbara Streisand.

Convention Hall was large enough to hold indoor football games, and the 1964 Liberty Bowl game was held there.

The Convention Hall's Main Auditorium Organ built in 1929 was, at the time, the world's largest pipe organ, and is in the Guinness Book of World Records. This pipe organ was damaged during the renovations of Boardwalk Hall. However, plans are underway to restore it.

Credits: Information and photos of Boardwalk Hall from the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Convention Hall photo by Jack Freeman.