Originally opening in April 1990[2] as a part of the Trump Taj Mahal, the arena seats over 5,000 for music and sporting events.

[3] The arena was named after Mark Grossinger Etess, a former president and COO of Trump Plaza, who lost his life in an October 1989 helicopter crash.

[4] Despite the Indian theme of the Trump Taj Mahal, the Etess Arena was designed with a contemporary feel, based upon the club scene in England.

Donald Trump was originally in negotiations to have Madonna open the venue during her Blond Ambition World Tour (1990), but plans fell through.

[6] Her first concert in Atlantic City came 16 years later during with her Confessions Tour, which was held at the Boardwalk Hall.