Steel Pier

Steel Pier is a historic amusement pier on the Atlantic City boardwalk in New Jersey. Built in 1897 and opened to the public on June 18, 1898, it became one of the best-known entertainment venues in the United States during the first seven decades of the twentieth century. The pier was constructed on iron pilings with a concrete understructure and steel girders, giving it the name by which it became nationally recognized. At its greatest historical extent, it measured approximately 2,298 feet, or 700 meters, into the Atlantic Ocean; the modern structure is approximately 1,000 feet, or 300 meters, long. During its peak years, Steel Pier operated as much more than a rides facility. It presented concerts, dance bands, theatrical productions, operas, movie theaters, exhibitions, children's entertainment, stunt acts, animal performances, water spectacles, and seasonal events. Its promotional descriptions included “Showplace of the Nation” and “An Amusement City at Sea.” The venue attracted major performers and touring spectacles, including John Philip Sousa, Al Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Bill Haley and His Comets, and Diana Ross and The Supremes. It also hosted industrial exhibitions: a General Motors exhibit ran from 1926 to 1933 and returned from 1947 through 1968, while Ford presented an exhibition during the intervening period. From 1935 through 1938, the Miss America winner was crowned at the pier. The property repeatedly suffered from the hazards associated with a large oceanfront structure. A storm damaged it in 1904, after which Atlantic City builder Edward L. Bader undertook reconstruction. A major fire in 1924 led to a later renovation under Frank Gravatt, who helped turn the pier into a broad entertainment complex. The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 destroyed or damaged sections, and a fire in December 1969 reduced the structure by roughly one-third. These events coincided with a wider decline in Atlantic City tourism by the end of the 1960s. Ownership and use changed substantially after that decline. Local businessmen acquired the pier in 1973. Resorts International bought it in 1978 after a proposed casino-hotel conversion failed to secure the required approvals. From the 1979 season, most of the deteriorating pier was closed, although a boardwalk-facing area with vendors and an arcade continued operating. An arson fire in 1982 caused further heavy damage. A heliport had opened at the end of the pier that year for Resorts casino customers, and helicopter service to New York City was later operated by Resorts International Airline. Reconstruction began in 1985, and the heliport was subsequently moved to the nearby Steeplechase Pier. Donald Trump acquired Steel Pier in 1988 as part of his acquisition of the Taj Mahal casino hotel from Resorts. The reconstructed Trump Steel Pier reopened in 1992 with a shorter layout and a greater emphasis on amusement rides. A connection to the casino and a tram-ride hub were added during this period. The pier temporarily closed in 2006 when Trump Entertainment considered redeveloping the property as condominiums, but it reopened the following season after those plans were abandoned. In 2011, Trump Entertainment sold the pier to a group led by the Catanoso family, which had operated the attraction since 1993. The Catanosos began a multiyear renovation in 2012. The program added twelve rides, including thrill attractions, while plans to revive the historic diving-horse act were dropped after animal-rights criticism. The renovation culminated in 2017 with the opening of a 227-foot observation wheel. Today, Steel Pier operates as a family-oriented amusement destination under Steel Pier Associates, LLC, offering rides, an arcade, food stands, entertainment, and a helicopter facility. Its identity combines Atlantic City heritage with a modern seasonal amusement-park business.

Steel Pier was built by the Steel Pier Company in Atlantic City and opened on June 18, 1898. Its steel-girder construction and position at the end of the boardwalk made it both an engineering feature and an entertainment landmark. The original attraction developed during an era when Atlantic City promoted itself as a major seaside resort, and it quickly became known for presenting a wide range of indoor and outdoor amusements. Its program included concerts, exhibitions, theatrical productions, movie theaters, children's shows, dance bands, stunts, water spectacles, and animal acts. A storm washed away part of the pier in 1904. Edward L. Bader, who later became Atlantic City's mayor, accepted the reconstruction challenge after others questioned whether the structure could be rebuilt. The repair work helped establish Bader's local construction career. In 1924, another major setback came in the form of a fire. Frank Gravatt purchased the property in 1925 and renovated it into an expansive entertainment complex. Gravatt became known locally as the “salt water Barnum,” and under his direction the pier hosted dance bands, operas, exhibits, children's productions, a water circus, stunt performers, and multiple cinemas. He also arranged annual concerts by John Philip Sousa. The pier's exhibition business became an important part of its identity. General Motors presented a major exhibit beginning in 1926, followed by Ford from 1933, while General Motors returned in 1947 and remained through 1968. From 1935 to 1938, Steel Pier was the location where Miss America winners were crowned. Its popular spectacles included the high-diving horse, Rex the Wonder Dog, a human cannonball, a diving bell, and a water-skiing dog. Musical performers such as Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra appeared there, and Diana Ross and The Supremes played sold-out weeklong engagements in 1965, 1966, and 1967. The pier also hosted Atlantic City's professional basketball franchise for part of the 1922–23 Eastern Basketball League season. George Hamid acquired the pier in 1945 after operating the competing Million Dollar Pier. His management helped introduce popular and rock-and-roll programming, including a 1955 appearance by Bill Haley and His Comets. The Beatles were booked for 1964, but demand exceeded the pier's capacity and the performance was moved to Boardwalk Hall. By the end of the 1960s, the attraction was suffering from declining tourism and changing entertainment patterns. The 1962 Ash Wednesday Storm damaged the structure, and a December 1969 fire reduced its length by about one-third. Local businessmen bought the pier in 1973. A proposal to convert it into a hotel-casino followed the legalization of gambling in Atlantic City, but the project did not obtain the required approvals. Resorts International acquired the property in 1978 for $3.8 million. Much of the pier was closed from the 1979 season because of deterioration, leaving mainly a boardwalk-fronting section with vendors and an arcade. Resorts used portions of the closed structure for storage. A heliport opened at the end of the pier in 1982 to serve casino patrons, and Resorts International Airline later operated commercial helicopter service between the pier and New York City. An arson fire that year severely damaged the pier, although the heliport remained intact. Reconstruction began in 1985, and the heliport was later moved to Steeplechase Pier. Donald Trump acquired Steel Pier in 1988 as part of his purchase of the Taj Mahal casino hotel from Resorts. The rebuilt Trump Steel Pier opened in 1992 at approximately 1,000 feet long, with amusement rides as its central offering. It was connected to the casino by an overhead walkway and included a tram-ride hub. In 2006, the pier closed temporarily while Trump Entertainment considered a condominium redevelopment, but the rides returned the next season after the proposal was abandoned for lack of funding. The Catanoso family, which had operated the pier since 1993, led a purchasing group that acquired it from Trump Entertainment in 2011. A renovation program began in 2012 and added twelve rides, including a Booster, a Frisbee-style ride, and a slingshot. The proposed return of the diving-horse act was cancelled following criticism from animal-rights advocates. The renovation reached a major completion point in 2017 with the opening of a 227-foot observation wheel. Steel Pier continues to function as a seasonal, family-oriented amusement destination with rides, an arcade, food outlets, and other attractions.

1. 2017Observation wheel opens

   The renovation program culminates in the opening of a 227-foot observation wheel.

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2. 2011Catanoso-led acquisition

   The Catanoso family and partners acquire Steel Pier from Trump Entertainment for $4.3 million.

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3. 1992Trump Steel Pier reopens

   A shorter, ride-focused version of the pier reopens after reconstruction.

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4. 1985Reconstruction begins

   Rebuilding starts after the 1982 arson fire and years of deterioration.

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5. 1978Resorts International purchase

   Resorts International buys the pier for $3.8 million after a casino redevelopment proposal fails to secure approval.

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6. 1955Rock-and-roll programming expands

   Bill Haley and His Comets perform at the pier, reflecting its expansion into popular and rock-and-roll entertainment.

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7. 1945George Hamid acquires the pier

   George Hamid, previously associated with the competing Million Dollar Pier, purchases Steel Pier.

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8. 1935Miss America ceremonies begin

   Steel Pier becomes the venue for Miss America coronations from 1935 through 1938.

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9. 1925Frank Gravatt renovation

   Frank Gravatt acquires and renovates the pier, expanding its concert, theatrical, exhibition, and amusement programming.

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10. 1904Storm reconstruction

    A storm removes part of the structure; Edward L. Bader undertakes its reconstruction.

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11. 1898Public opening

    Steel Pier opens on June 18 as a new Atlantic City seaside entertainment venue.

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12. 1897Construction begins

    The Steel Pier Company builds a large entertainment pier on Atlantic City's boardwalk using iron pilings, concrete, and steel girders.

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Historic, family-oriented amusement pier and entertainment destination combining Atlantic City heritage, oceanfront rides, seasonal attractions, and boardwalk tourism.

• Amusement ridesAmusement attractions

  The modern Steel Pier complex contains approximately twenty-four rides organized for children, families, and older thrill-seeking visitors. The lineup includes lighter attractions, medium rides, heavy rides, and selected attractions with special pricing. The post-2012 renovation added twelve rides, including a Booster, a Frisbee-style ride, and a slingshot.

• Observation wheelObservation attraction2017

  Opened in 2017, the approximately 227-foot observation wheel is one of the modern pier's signature attractions. It extends the property beyond conventional rides by providing elevated views over Atlantic City, the boardwalk, and the Atlantic Ocean.

• ArcadeIndoor amusement

  The arcade provides an indoor, weather-independent component of the Steel Pier experience. It also preserves a connection with the pier's long history of presenting games and entertainment alongside outdoor rides and live shows.

• Live entertainment and special eventsEntertainment programming1898

  Historically, Steel Pier presented concerts, dance bands, theatrical shows, exhibits, children's programs, water performances, and stunt acts. Modern programming centers more heavily on amusement rides, but the venue's brand remains associated with seasonal entertainment and special events.

• 2008110th anniversary celebration

  United States

  Steel Pier marked its 110th anniversary with a promotional event in June 2008. Rides were offered free for a 24-hour period spanning June 18 and June 19.

  Outcome. The event publicly emphasized the attraction's continuity and historic role in Atlantic City.

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• 2012Multiyear amusement renovationStrategy

  The new owners sought to restore the pier's appeal while updating its ride portfolio for contemporary family and thrill audiences.

  What changed. Twelve new rides were added, including a Booster, a Frisbee-style ride, and a slingshot. A proposed return of the diving-horse act was dropped after animal-rights criticism.

  Aftermath. The renovation concluded with the 2017 opening of a 227-foot observation wheel and strengthened the pier's current amusement-park identity.

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• 2011Sale to the Catanoso family-led groupM&A

  The Catanoso family had operated the pier since 1993 and pursued ownership as the property changed hands.

  What changed. Trump Entertainment sold Steel Pier to a group led by the Catanosos.

  Aftermath. The new ownership launched a multiyear renovation and repositioned the attraction as a family-oriented amusement destination.

  Purchase price. $4.3 million (2011)

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• 2006Temporary closure for proposed condominium redevelopmentStrategy

  Trump Entertainment considered replacing the amusement operation with a condominium project.

  What changed. The pier closed and its rides were removed while redevelopment was evaluated.

  Aftermath. The project was abandoned because of insufficient funding, and the pier reopened the following season.

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• 1992Reopen as a shorter, ride-focused attractionGeneration change

  Following storm, fire, deterioration, and ownership changes, the historic pier had been substantially reduced from its former length.

  What changed. The reconstructed Trump Steel Pier reopened at approximately 1,000 feet and emphasized amusement rides, with a casino connection and tram-ride hub.

  Aftermath. The property entered a modern amusement-park phase centered more on rides than on the broad variety of twentieth-century performances.

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• 1978Casino conversion proposal is abandonedStrategy

  After gambling was legalized in Atlantic City, a developer proposed converting the pier into a hotel-casino.

  What changed. The proposal did not receive the necessary governmental approvals, and the property was subsequently sold to Resorts International.

  Aftermath. The pier remained an entertainment property rather than becoming a casino development.

  Acquisition price paid by Resorts International. $3.8 million (1978)

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• 2017Steel Pier completes major renovation with observation wheel

  A multiyear renovation added numerous rides and concluded with the opening of a 227-foot observation wheel.

  Product launchProduct generation
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• 2011Catanoso-led group buys Steel Pier

  Trump Entertainment sold the pier to a group led by the Catanoso family, its longtime operators.

  M&A
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• 2006Steel Pier closes temporarily amid condominium proposal

  The pier closed and its rides were removed while Trump Entertainment considered a condominium redevelopment; the amusement operation returned the following season.

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• 1992Reconstructed Trump Steel Pier reopens

  Following reconstruction, the pier reopened with a substantially shorter footprint and a focus on amusement rides, together with a connection to the nearby casino complex.

  Product launch
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• 1982Arson fire heavily damages Steel Pier

  An arson fire destroyed approximately one-third of the already deteriorated pier, although the heliport at the end of the structure survived.

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• 1978Resorts International acquires Steel Pier

  Resorts International purchased the pier after a proposed conversion into a hotel-casino failed to receive the necessary governmental approvals.

  M&A
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• 1969Fire shortens Steel Pier before the 1970 season

  A December fire reduced the pier's length by approximately one-third and contributed to the transition toward a smaller modern structure.

  Other
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• 1962Ash Wednesday Storm damages the pier

  The severe storm damaged or destroyed sections of Steel Pier during a period when the venue remained a prominent entertainment attraction.

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• 1924Fire damages Steel Pier

  A major fire caused extensive damage before Frank Gravatt acquired and renovated the property the following year.

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• 1898Steel Pier opens on the Atlantic City boardwalk

  The newly constructed pier opened on June 18, beginning its long-running role as an Atlantic City entertainment venue.

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1. Steel Pier
2. Steel Pier official website
3. Historic American Engineering Record: Steel Pier