Borgata Reopening July 6, Invitation-Only Guests Can Come July 2
Editor's note: The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City has decided to remain closed. They have yet to announce a reopening date. They issued the below statement on the decision:
"We respect the Governor's decision to postpone the reopening of indoor dining in New Jersey to protect the public. Given this decision, our property Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City will remain closed. Our guests expect a special experience when they come to our property and if we cannot provide that level of hospitality, we feel it best that we remain closed until such time that the Governor lets us know it is safe to offer food and beverage. The health and safety of our employees and guests are at the center of all that we do, and we regret that, at this time, we are unable to welcome back the thousands of employees who are anxious to return to work. We look forward to a time when it is safe to welcome everyone back."
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - Atlantic City's top casino won't be opening its doors to the general public until July 6, four days after most of its competition. The Borgata tells The Associated Press it will host an invitation-only trial period starting July 2 - the first day Atlantic City casinos can reopen.
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But the general public will have to wait until 10 a.m. on July 6 to get in.
The Borgata is taking advantage of a "friends and family" period authorized by the state and announced Monday by Gov. Phil Murphy. The Democratic governor set July 2 as the first date that Atlantic City's nine casinos can reopen, but also gave them the option to do what is known in the industry as a "soft opening" by having invitation-only days, during which the casino can assess its new procedures and how well they are working in the new environment.
Murphy plans to release detailed health and safety regulations for the casinos this week, but he has already said that anyone who enters a casino - visitors and employees alike - will be required to wear a mask.
"When we reopen our doors, we do so with excitement to welcome back our employees and guests, and with an unwavering commitment to their health and safety," said Melonie Johnson, the Borgata's new president.
The casino said not all its amenities will be open right away. It plans to phase some of them in over the coming weeks as it becomes evident how business levels and customer compliance with health and safety regulations are unfolding.
Copyright 2020 The Associated Press.
