“We’re trying to program the whole weekend,” he says. Ultimately, Lupo explains, the idea is to grow revenue by giving both new and returning guests compelling reasons to stay and explore the resort before and after the show. “Having one of the greatest entertainers in the world on our stage brings that customer out.” “I'm sure we had many new customers that walked in our door for the first time that night-and some who may have come to Atlantic City for the first time,” he says.

He points to the example of Bocelli, the Italian operatic tenor who performed on June 25 at the Etess arena for a rapt audience that spanned the demographic spectrum.

Kelsey Grammer sings karaoke during a dueling pianos session at the Hard Rock Atlantic City.