Bass Pro Shop Opens In Atlantic City
By Cleve Bryan
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., (CBS) -- The effort to bring more non-gambling attractions to cash-strapped Atlantic City reached a new milestone Wednesday with the grand opening of the Bass Pro Shop.
The 85,000 square foot facility expects to draw 1.2 million visitors annually.
"Atlantic City is already a great destination but we're a destination as well. The average Bass Pro Shopper drives more than 50 miles to visit our stores and spends more than two and a half hours in our store," says general manager Eric Clements.
City officials are pleased to have a new source of revenue and 200 new jobs.
"It's the beginning of the diversification that we need so much in Atlantic City," says Mayor Don Guardian.
Wednesday's ribbon cutting featured appearances from NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, former Eagle Brian Westbrook and Governor Chris Christie.
Grand opening festivities are scheduled through the weekend with daily giveaways.
