Get ready to kick off a sizzling summer with Resorts Casino Hotel as the first casino hotel in Atlantic City celebrates its 45th anniversary this Memorial Day Weekend. Festivities are set to begin on Friday, May 26, as Kelsey Grammer and Mayor Marty Small Sr. host the Annual Opening of the Sea Ceremony at 1:00 pm, followed by boardwalk entertainment and the Annual Beach Ball Drop over the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk at 5:00 pm.

“Being the first Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, it’s a huge accomplishment to celebrate 45 years of operation. This wonderful milestone is a testament to the culture at our hotel, the hard work and dedication of our team members and the loyalty of our guests. We look forward to continued growth and success as Resorts Casino Hotel embarks on its next 45 years and beyond,” Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, said.

To kick off the holiday weekend, Resort’s Star Card members can head to the Promotions Booth between 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm to redeem a complimentary 45th-anniversary reusable tote bag. Additional entertainment will be provided throughout the day – from viewing unique sand sculptures by renowned artist John Gowdy, to promotions from Wiseguy Entertainment, The Kilted Rogues Bagpipers, Brittany Lynn from Philly Drag Mafia and more. Once the clock strikes five, guests can turn their attention to the annual release of five thousand beach balls over the boardwalk.

Friday night, the party continues with live entertainment from the New York Bee Gees in the Superstar Theater at 9:00 pm. The band will feature present and former members of world-renowned acts and offer all the classic 70’s disco hits from Stayin Alive to Night Fever while embracing the early works such as To Love Somebody.

Guests can also head over to the new retro-themed 45th-anniversary pop-up, Lounge78, which will have its grand opening on Friday, May 26, at Bar One. Lounge78 will be open all summer and feature drink specials, giveaways, tribute musical performances, and more.

On Saturday, May 27, guests are invited to head down to the Margaritaville Lobby from 2:00 pm to 10 pm and get a free pull on the very first slot machine that went live in Atlantic City in 1978 from Resorts Casino Hotel. Should they hit a top combination on two consecutive draws, players can win a prize of $10,000 but either way, all guests will be walking away with a commemorative gift. AC’s first slot machine, which is a 1975 Bally Honey Money, is proudly displayed at Resorts Casino Hotel throughout the year as well.

Once Sunday hits, Resorts Casino Hotel continues the celebration of its 45 years of winnings with $100,000 in prizes, including a grand cash prize of $45,000. There will be 45 winners of $1000 in Free Play, with four winners announced every 30 minutes from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. At 9:00 pm, five winners will receive $1000 in Free Play, and another four winners will earn $2500 at 9:30 pm. At 10:00 pm, one lucky winner will be awarded $45,000 in cold hard cash.

As part of Resorts’ 45th-anniversary celebration, Memorial Day Weekend visitors will have a chance to see and hear the sounds of Manhattan’s discotheque scene firsthand, with a special performance from the cast of Disco Inferno on the boardwalk on Friday, May 26. This is just the beginning of a yearlong anniversary celebration, as they are committed to honoring this milestone in the months to come. Beginning Sunday, June 25 through October 29, guests can keep dancing to the beat each Sunday with performances from Disco Inferno in The Superstar Theater for just $29.00 to $39.00. Featuring the music of Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Gloria Gaynor, KC and the Sunshine Band, Anita Ward, and many more, Disco Inferno will transport those who witnessed it back to the moment when they first heard these legendary songs on the dance floor.