How to Do AC for the Maroon 5 Concert

In case you missed the news, Maroon 5 is coming to Atlantic City this summer for a show on the beach, one of only two M5 shows in the U.S. this summer!

Here's everything you should know if you're planning to check out the show!

The show is rain or shine on Sunday, August 16th at 4 p.m. on the beach between Arkansas Ave. (Caesars casino) and St. James Place (Central Pier arcade.)

Tickets

Unlike last year's free AC beach shows, you will need to buy tickets for this one.

They start at $39.50 (plus fees) and go on sale to the public this Friday, June 26th at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com, by phone at (800) 745-3000, and at all Ticketmaster Outlets. Preferred general admission tickets are selling for $75 (plus fees). There is a pre-sale for American Express Cardholders starting Tuesday, June 23rd at noon. There will also be VIP packages available.

If the ticket prices are too steep for you, some of the local casinos may hold rooftop viewing parties, or you can try to listen from the boardwalk or beach bars. (Though they will likely be PACKED, and you may not be able to see anything.)

Show details

This year's specifics haven't been announced yet other than a general start time of 4 p.m., but will likely be similar to last year's shows. The beach opened at 10 a.m., the opening act started at 4 p.m., and the headliner started at 6 p.m.

Parking

Parking was a less-than-stellar experience at last year's shows, with some of the closest casinos charging $50 to park. Lame. That said, there are parking garages and lots throughout the area, which you can see by clicking HERE.

If they stick with last year's plan, parking may also be available at the Park 'n' Ride off the Atlantic City Expressway, with shuttles available to and from the venue throughout the day.

Where to Stay

If you can afford it, I'd absolutely recommend staying in the area the night before, and the night of the show. You will likely get free parking as a hotel guest, and you won't have to deal with the traffic madness before or after the show.

The closest and easiest casino is Caesars...where they are charging an insane $400+ a night for a Sunday night room. Bally's is also pretty close to the action, and currently charging $350.

The Tropicana, further south on the Boardwalk has availability starting at $140. If you're physically able to walk the mile from the Trop to the concert beach entrance at Kentucky Ave., this seems to be a great option.

Resorts is north of the concert, and about a .5 mile walk, and offering rooms starting at $199. Trump Taj Mahal is just north of Resorts, with rooms for $139 (though with rumors swirling that the Taj could close any minute now, that option makes me nervous. I prefer keeping my gambling to the casino floor, but that's just me.)

Over in the Marina district, Harrah's has rooms for $199, while the Borgata and Golden Nugget's rooms start at $229. You WILL need to take a taxi or shuttle of some kind to get from these casinos to the beach.

Outside of the casinos, there are several cheaper options, with varying levels of shadiness/cleanliness. Some are actually pretty nice, considering the price. I suggest reading online reviews before you book.

Rules and Guidelines

For a general idea of what you will and won't be allowed to bring, safety info, and other things to note, check out last year's beach concert rules and guidelines by clicking HERE.

I love Atlantic City (and Maroon 5,) and this sounds like it will amazingly fun, albeit a little pricey. A little preparation will go a long way towards making the event enjoyable for everyone!