NJ gov urges Springsteen to play Atlantic City

[March 28, 2012]  ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is calling on native son Bruce Springsteen to step up and help Atlantic City by performing at the new Revel casino on Labor Day weekend.

The governor made the plea Tuesday during a tour of the new casino, which opens Monday. The facility wouldn't have been finished without state tax incentives.

The governor views Revel as the centerpiece of an effort to revive the fortunes of Atlantic City, where the casino business has been on a long downward spiral.

Christie has seen Springsteen perform more than 100 times and says he has already lost out to Beyonce for the chance to headline at Revel's grand opening Memorial Day weekend. He says Springsteen could still show his support for New Jersey by performing there during Labor Day weekend.

A publicist for Springsteen, whose catalog includes a song titled "Atlantic City," declined comment.

The resort says it would love to have Springsteen, if he's up for it.

[Associated Press; By WAYNE PARRY]

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