The venue's first concert performance was by Elton John on May 18, 1990. ĭespite the Indian theme of the Trump Taj Mahal, the Etess Arena was contemporary, based upon the club scene in England. The arena was named after Mark Grossinger Etess, a former president and COO of Trump Plaza, who perished in an October 1989 helicopter crash. Originally opening in April 1990 as a part of the Trump Taj Mahal, the arena seats over 5,000 for music and sporting events. Hard Rock Live, formerly known as Etess Arena, is a multi-purpose arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey located at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
