The iconic Asbury Park Convention Hall is a must-see destination for music lovers of all ages. Located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk, the 3,600-seat venue has seen the likes of rock and roll greats Janis Joplin, the Rolling Stones, and of course New Jersey's favorite native son, Bruce Springsteen. The structure, which opened its doors in 1925, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A visit to the revitalized urban shore town is not complete without a stop at the Convention Hall and the Grand Arcade that connects the structure with the adjacent Paramount Theater.
Parking and public transportation at the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Metered parking is plentiful along Ocean Avenue and the nearby streets that connect the downtown to the boardwalk area. Paying is made easy with machines that accept credit cars and make digging for change to feed the meters a thing of the past. New Jersey Transit also makes a trip to Asbury Park a simple train ride away. The North Jersey Coast Line stops in Asbury Park at the train station on Memorial Drive. Once arriving in town, Convention Hall, which is located on the boardwalk, is a short walk from the station. Once passengers disembark and cross Main Street, they only need to follow Cookman Avenue for six-blocks until reaching Ocean Avenue. Turn left on the boardwalk where visitors will immediately see the Renaissance-style building against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting tickets at the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Currently, the Asbury Park Convention Hall hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. A schedule of upcoming events can be found at the Asbury Park Boardwalk website. Most event tickets can be purchased at the door. Concert tickets are generally handled through Ticket Master. Convention Hall is also home to the Jersey Shore Roller Girls who have been playing their roller derby home games at the venue since 2008. The adults-only Haunted Hall is a popular event held every October in the days leading up to Halloween where visitors experience a walking nightmare through the historic building. Tickets for the Haunted Hall are handled through Town Square Live Events-New Jersey. For event information, patrons can phone the box office at 732-897-6500.
Types of Concerts at the Asbury Park Convention Hall
In its heyday, Convention Hall hosted a whole array of rock and roll greats. In 2004, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rehearsed at the Hall to prepare for an upcoming tour. Today, the Asbury Park Convention Hall remains a legendary piece of New Jersey's music roots. The venue is available to rent and routinely hosts exhibits and shows such as the Spring Home Show, the popular Halloween Haunted Hall, the RunAPalooza Expo, and the Visionary Tattoo Arts Festival.
Other Places to visit near the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Visitors should be sure to explore the shops and stands in the Grand Arcade that connects Convention Hall with the adjacent Paramount Theater, which also hosts various films and events throughout the year. Once outside, a stroll down the Asbury Park Boardwalk is met with a plethora of street performers including musicians and magicians. McLoone's Asbury Grille is located just outside the Convention Hall and features fine American dining complete with ocean views. Legendary rock clubs, the Stone Pony and Wonder Bar, are across the street and a must-see for Bruce Springsteen fans. Cookman Avenue and downtown Asbury Park offer a variety of unique shops and restaurants that are worth checking out.
Where to stay near the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Asbury Park houses several hotels within walking distance to the Asbury Park Convention Hall. The 100-year-old Berkeley Hotel offers visitors oceanfront accommodations in a historic Victorian setting. Asbury Park's Empress Hotel has been providing families and couples Jersey Shore getaways since the 1950's.
Insider tips for visitors to the Asbury Park Convention Hall
Nobody does Halloween better than Asbury Park and the Haunted Hall held in the Asbury Park Convention Hall in the fall is deliciously frightful and not to be missed by those who love a good scare. However, it is definitely not for the faint of heart. Parents should leave the children at home with a sitter for this one. The event is not recommended for children for good reason. They will have nightmares.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.