ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (Monday, February 24, 2020) The Progressive® Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show® docks February 26 through March 1, 2020 at the Atlantic City Convention Center, celebrating 40 years of the best in boating. More than 550 boats and activities for water-lovers will give lifelong boating enthusiasts and novices alike an all-access pass to discover why life is better with a boat.
New features include appearances by Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel, with her trusty lifeguard pup Roxie; the opportunity to learn how to make the best boating cocktails, listen to live music and get watersports tips from the pros at the new Discover Boating Experience; and so much more.
Plus, Super Thursday will return to the Show this year with a full day of incredible deals on boats and marine accessories, as well as $5 off tickets purchased after 5:00 p.m., food and drink specials, discounted parking, and more. Meet AC has partnered with the Show to add to the fun with giveaways generously donated from Meet AC and various partners throughout Atlantic City that include:
- Meet AC—Gourmet dinner for (2) of winner’s choosing; $300 value
- Sheraton Atlantic City—Complimentary overnight stay with breakfast and parking included
- Tropicana Casino & Resort—(3) Complimentary overnight stays
- Hard Rock Hotel & Casino—Complimentary overnight stay including VIP check-in and complimentary valet parking
- Ocean Casino Resort—Complimentary overnight stay
- Caesars Entertainment—One night deluxe accommodations (Caesars, Bally’s, or Harrah’s) and complimentary dinner for (2); $250.00 value
- Dock’s/Harry’s/Knife and Fork Inn—$100 from Dock's/Knife & Fork and $50 from Harry's
- Tunn Tavern—$20.00 dining gift certificate, t-shirt, (2) pint glasses
- Margaritaville/LandShark Bar & Grill—$50.00 dining gift certificate
“Boat Show attendees will always benefit from the best deals of the season as they prepare for summer on the water, but Super Thursday takes that one step further with one-day-only discounts and great giveaways from our partners in AC,” said Show Manager Jon Pritko.
Attendees can take advantage of Meet AC’s “Super Thursday” giveaways throughout the day by visiting the Meet AC Super Thursday table Thursday, February 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Atlantic City Convention Center atrium.
FULL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW! Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel – The world’s most famous waterskiing squirrel is coming to the Boat Show! Twiggy will amaze and entertain as she waterskies behind a radio-controlled boat in her very own pool – with Roxie, the trusty lifeguard pup, keeping watch!
- NEW! The Discover Boating Experience (DBX) is a new ‘Hub for Boaters,’ providing the perfect place to mingle, relax and experience the boating lifestyle. The new interactive space features expert demos, educational seminars plus refreshments, live music on the weekend, and so much more!
- NEW! New Jersey SkillsUSA State Championships gives boating tech students and pros of tomorrow the opportunity to compete in a statewide contest, connect with NJ boating businesses and showcase their skills. The gold medal winner from the Show goes on to the national competition, and it all happens during Career Day at the Boat Show.
- Tour the Queen of the Show and her Court of Beauties: Boat Show tradition dictates that the largest boat at the show each year is named the Queen, and the 2020 title goes to the 46 Viking Billfish. The Queen’s court includes the 44 Tiara Coupe, Formula 430SS and other luxurious craft featuring innovations like joystick docking and virtual anchoring, as well as creature comforts including retractable sunroofs, on deck grills, and more.
- Shop, Save & Win Big on “Super Thursday” – Elevate savings, shopping and boat show fun to superstar levels at the annual “Super Thursday” on Thursday, February 27. Super Thursday specials include even deeper savings on the best in boating, plus $5 off after 5 p.m. on tickets, $5 parking all day at the Wave Garage, food & drink specials, and exclusive giveaways including overnight accommodations, restaurant certificates, and more courtesy of Meet AC!
- Progressive Insurance Booth: Boost nautical know-how with top-notch mariners and hands-on boating courses for all levels of experience with the Annapolis School of Seamanship – plus, try Progressive’s immersive Oculus Rift virtual reality experience.
- Fishing Simulator & Go Fishing Friday – Feel the strike! Watch the rod bend! Experience the pull as your fish runs for the bottom! This interactive fishing simulator is as "reel" as it gets without getting your line wet. Friendly competition happens all day every day, plus, on Friday, February 28, from 5:00-7:00pm, fishing fanatics can watch see fishing pros battle for the bragging rights of Best Angler and register into the tournament for your chance to win a prize. Plus, enjoy a fish fry, sharpen your angling skills at one of the Discover Fishing seminars, and check out hundreds of fishing boats and thousands of fishing accessories.
- Step On & Go at the Indoor Paddle Pool! Dive into paddlesports fun at the new 20x30 foot indoor paddle pool with trials and demos of stand up “pedal” boards, kayaks and more thanks to Fin-atics Marine in Ocean City, NJ!
- Catch more fish at Discover Fishing sessions by the Recreational Fishing Association, The Fisherman magazine and Canyon Runner Sportfishing. Fishing fans will learn expert tips and techniques on saltwater, freshwater, inshore and offshore fishing from the pros.
- Support “Let Us Eat, Please” – Did you know 1 in 7 kids in New Jersey are hungry on a regular basis? Help make a difference on Thursday, February 27 at the Progressive Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show’s Captain’s Table Gala, a special fundraiser for “Let Us Eat, Please” and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, local nonprofits that help deliver meals to kids in need.
- Annual favorites also return, including Kids Create-a-Boat, Sand Art with John Gowdy, the Classic & Race Boat Display and the Miss GEICO race boat, the world’s fastest catamaran breaking speeds of 200 mph!
Local Atlantic City businesses are expected to greatly benefit from the activity at the convention center over five days. The estimated economic impact is expected to reach more than $6 million. In addition, more than 600 hotel rooms have been contracted by convention center visitors.
Tickets will be sold onsite and will cost $17 for adults and children 12 and under get in free, when accompanied by an adult. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online, with $2 off online tickets through February 25.
Visit ACBoatShow.com for more information and stay tuned to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the-minute information, giveaways and more.
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About the Progressive® Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show®: The Progressive® Insurance Atlantic City Boat Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat and sportshows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org. To learn more about Progressive Boat Insurance, which insures more than one million watercraft, please visit www.progressive.com/boat or contact Julie Kolencik at Julie_Kolencik@Progressive.com, (440) 395-2019.
About Meet AC
Meet AC, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) organization formed and funded as a public-private partnership by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to create economic development through conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism. Meet AC focuses on three primary objectives: sales, marketing and services.
For complete Atlantic City tourism and convention information, visit www.meetac.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the Atlantic City Sports Commission
The Atlantic City Sports Commission was officially formed on January 13, 2015 as a 501 (c)(3) organization with the support of Meet AC and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) to attract sporting events, conventions and competitions to Atlantic City.
For more information, visit www.atlanticcitysports.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Spectra
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.
About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority's mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state's key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA's expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide, of which $1.8 billion has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com.
Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/njcrda, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.
For destination photos and videos media may visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline where dozens of assets are available for download. For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoAtlanticCity and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitAC, #DOAC, and Do AC Instagram at Instagram.com/doac.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Carrie Waible, Progressive AC Boat Show
646-423-0230
carrie@cwandco.com
Jessica Kasunich, Meet AC
609-318-6062
jkasunich@meetac.com