See Documentory by Daniel Buckley
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The History of El Casino
(Ballroom)
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When it opened in 1947, El Casino Ballroom hosted family milestones
as well as touring musical acts, including traditional Hispanic
musicians such as Tito Puente and other world-renowned performers
like James Brown and Fats Domino.
The ballroom continued filling its 1,200-person capacity until
1991, when a windstorm blew off the roof. The wood floor, once
the largest spring-mounted floor in Southern Arizona, was almost
destroyed by the summer monsoon. ( Click Here ) |
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Fortunately, the storm happened when none of the usual
functions at the venue was taking place.
Unfortunately, it would take nine years to get El Casino back
in business, and even then at only half its original size.
But as the ballroom marks its 60th anniversary with a big
concert and party Friday and Saturday (see story in Calendar),
it also marks a new beginning for the beloved South
Tucson hall. With the debt nearly retired from fixing the west
wing of the building,
the building’s owner – Tucson’s Latin American
Social Club, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year
– is about to go back in debt to restore the hall to its
original |
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 1,000-person
capacity, or even larger. The estimated cost: $600,000 plus.
Social Club president is undaunted. “The best is yet
to come,” he promised.
After opening its doors in 1947, El Casino Ballroom became
the favorite haunt of music lovers from
both the Hispanic and Anglo communities. From its stage, all
the major recording stars of Mexico, from Lola Beltran to José
Alfredo Jiménez and Pedro Infante, performed for packed
crowds of
dancers. |
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Similarly, it was the home to all the major
big bands and rock ‘n’ and roll road shows, including
Fats . . . . Read the rest of the article ( Click
Here )
This how the last part of the building looked as of July of
2011
Click
on image to view larger
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