Ocean Casino Resort marked the grand opening of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar Jan. 17, unveiling a new attraction that blends Jersey Shore nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
The ribbon cutting drew celebrity appearances from actor Christopher McDonald, who played Shooter McGavin in “Happy Gilmore,” along with MTV “Jersey Shore” stars Sammi Giancola (Sammi Sweetheart) and Jenni Farley (JWoww). The ceremony also featured the Avalon Mummers and the Phillie Phanatic.
Located on the Casino Level next to LaScala’s Fire, Ocean’s 18 is the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino. The 8,000-square-foot venue spans two levels. It features two nine-hole courses designed to appeal to all ages. During the day, the space welcomes guests of all ages. After 9 p.m., it transitions into a 21-and-over sports bar.
Marketed as a “Sip Swing Social,” Ocean’s 18 pairs mini golf with a full-service sports bar. The area features large televisions; a curated cocktail menu; frozen granitas; and signature drinks, such as the Jaws 18 blue martini and the Pineapple Par. The venue also incorporates digital gameplay features, including QR code scorecards and a real-time leaderboard.
Anything but par for the course
A key attraction is the immersive hologram technology, developed by HYPERVSN — the same company behind holograms used at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Highlights include Ava the Avatar, a multilingual virtual host who greets guests and answers questions in more than 15 languages. Additionally, a 12-foot great white shark hologram towers over the main bar. It represents the largest hologram ever installed in a mini golf course or casino.
The space is designed to accommodate private and corporate events, with customizable hologram displays as well as flexible booking options.
Ocean’s 18 is now open Wednesday through Monday. It adds another high-profile attraction to Ocean Casino Resort’s growing lineup of guest experiences. The resort also plans additional “Stay and Play” golf-themed hotel packages for later this year.
“Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar represents everything we strive for at Ocean Casino Resort, innovation, energy, and experiences that bring people together,” said Bill Callahan, general manager, Ocean Casino Resort. “By combining the nostalgia of mini golf with cutting-edge technology, a vibrant bar scene, and our unmatched entertainment offerings, Ocean’s 18 adds an entirely new dimension to the guest experience and reinforces Ocean as a must-visit destination in Atlantic City.”
Owner and operator Mark Benevento said Ocean’s 18 reimagines what entertainment in Atlantic City can be.
“With immersive technology, a multilingual avatar, and a nostalgia-driven design, it blends Jersey Shore culture and innovation into a one-of-a-kind experience anyone can enjoy,” said Benevento.
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