FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kara Cermanski September 8, 2011 (609) 348-7072

The 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, pitting the top players from the AHL’s Eastern Conference against the best of the Western Conference, will begin with the AHL All-Star Skills Competition on Sunday Jan. 29, at 3 PM; the AHL All-Star Game will follow on Monday, Jan. 30, at 7 PM. Tickets for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, which include admission to both the Skills Competition and the All-Star Game, are priced at $52 for seats on the glass, $37 for lower-level seats and $32 for upper-level seats. Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 12 at noon ET at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-736-1420 or at www.ticketmaster.com. For group orders, please call 609-348-7021.

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AHL All-Star Classic

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association with ice hockey dating back to December 28, 1929 when Ottawa faced off against the New York Rangers. The following year saw the debut of the first of Boardwalk Hall’s two home hockey teams, the Atlantic City Seagulls, who played until 1952. Following the $90 million renovation to Boardwalk Hall, the ECHL-affiliated Boardwalk Bullies took to the ice in October 2001 and won the Kelly Cup in 2003. Last year hockey was re-energized in Atlantic City as Boardwalk Hall hosted four exciting AHL and one ECHL Devils Hockey games, presented by the ACCVA and Caesars Entertainment. 2011 also showcased the two day ECAC Hockey Men’s Championship and a 6-0 victory of Yale over Cornell. The March tournament was the first year of a three-year commitment for Atlantic City to host ECAC Hockey.

“Partnerships and events of this magnitude are what continue to help grow our market and position Atlantic City as the East Coast’s top entertainment destination,” said Don Marrandino, Eastern Division President for Caesars Entertainment.  “The 2012 AHL All-Star Classic at Historic Boardwalk Hall will shine the National spotlight on Atlantic City, allowing the community to showcase what a diverse entertainment destination we are.  A key tactic in the strategy of revitalizing Atlantic City is offering events such as this at a time when it is most needed.  We as a business community benefit from the thousands of fans who will choose to visit our destination during that weekend in January and we look forward to a successful start to the New Year with this great sporting event,” continued Mr. Marrandino.

The first AHL All-Star Game was held in 1942 as a fundraiser for U.S. and Canadian efforts in World War II; this will be the 18^th All-Star Classic since the event was resurrected in 1995. Last year the Eastern Conference swept both nights’ events, including an 11-8 win over the Western Conference in the All-Star Game.

The 2012 AHL All-Star Classic in Atlantic City will feature the top young talent in the American Hockey League, competing in the AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Game. Of the 562 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 93 percent have competed in the National Hockey League, including Patrice Bergeron, Brad Boyes, Dan Boyle, Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell, Zdeno Chara, Miikka Kiprusoff, Ryan Miller, Zach Parise, Bobby Ryan, Martin St. Louis, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal and Tomas Vokoun.
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 87 percent of today’s NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the 10^th year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2010-11. Through the years, the AHL has been home to more than 100 future members of the Hockey Hall of Fame. For more information, visit the AHL online at www.theahl.com or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theahl.
“We’re thrilled to host this event as it provides the perfect opportunity for local fans to see the best up and coming talent that hockey has to offer”, said Greg Tesone, General Manager for Boardwalk Hall. “The All-Star Game, coupled with the Skills Competition and Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony, will also allow fans to interact with the players and experience the sport on a more engaging level.”

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To inquire about Atlantic City’s game sponsorships, advertising, or marketing opportunities in association with this event, call 609-348-7022.
The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority serves as the destination's principal marketing arm, stimulating economic growth through convention, business and leisure tourism development.  The Authority oversees the management of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall. The Authority is the first destination marketing organization in New Jersey to achieve prestigious Destination Marketing Accreditation by the Destination Marketing Association International.  For complete Atlantic City information, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com. Also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AtlanticCityNJ.
Caesars Atlantic City sets the standard for excitement and luxury. Reigning at the center of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Caesars features more than 1,100 hotel guest rooms and suites, eight diverse restaurants and cafes including Mia by George Perrier and Chris Scarduzio and Morton’s

Steakhouse, Qua Baths & Spa, and a lavish 140,000 square foot casino. The 1,600 seat Circus Maximus Theater spotlights leading entertainers such as Jerry Seinfeld, Sheryl Crow and Tony Bennett. The Pier Shops at Caesars deliver the pinnacle of designer boutiques, chic eateries and abundant entertainment in a $175 million oceanfront complex. Caesars is located at 2100 Pacific Avenue in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For more information, call 1-800-223-7277 or visit www.caesarsac.com

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Contact: Jason Chaimovitch, Vice President of Communications, AHL

(413) 781-2030

jchaimovitch@theahl.com
Michael Bruckler, Media Relations Manager, ACCVA

(609) 449-7125

(609) 348-7021

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