Since opening with much anticipation and fanfare on May 1, 1997, the Atlantic City Convention Center has become "Your Northeast Business Address", hosting a wide array of premier events from large public shows, conventions and trade shows, to meetings and conferences. Erected at a cost of $268 million, the building is the largest and most expensive public project in the city's history, and was built under the auspices of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA). It was the centerpiece of a multi-billion dollar redevelopment plan which included The Walk, a retail and entertainment complex, numerous Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)-funded neighborhood partnerships, the Boardwalk Hall renovation, the Grand Boulevard, the Sheraton Convention Center Hotel, and new casino expansion projects.