The Mark G. Etess Arena (also known as The Arena at Trump Taj Mahal) was a multi-purpose arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States. Opening in April 1990, as a part of the Trump Taj Mahal, the arena seats nearly 6,000 for music and sporting events. The arena was named after Mark Grossinger Etess, a former president and COO of Trump Plaza. Etess died in a helicopter crash in October 1989.Despite the Indian theme of the Trump Taj Mahal, the Etess Arena is contemporary, based upon the club scene in England.The venue's first concert performance was by Elton John on May 18, 1990. Donald Trump was originally in negotiations to have Madonna open the venue during her Blond Ambition World Tour but plans fell through. Her first concert in Atlantic City came 16 years later with her Confessions Tour, which was held in the Boardwalk Hall arena.
