INDIANA ROOF BALLROOM
Indianapolis, Indiana

Opened in 1927

The Indiana Roof Ballroom, affectionately called the “Roof,” has been an important part of downtown Indianapolis since 1927 when it first opened it's doors. Located above the Indiana Repertory Theatre, it has hosted famous performers, big band dances, fundraisers, weddings and special events for nearly a century.

Dreamed up in 1926 by Edgar O. Hunter and Preston Rubush, the Roof first opened in September of 1927. Designed to appear as if you were in a European village, no detail was forgotten. Painted grapevines creep up plaster columns and the stucco facades, doorways and balconies contain exquisite details and even the staircase railings have ornate woodwork. The domed ceiling resembles a starry night sky, with soft clouds and a crescent moon.

The 8,700 square foot circular dance floor began with one small square in the center of the floor and from there, it was expanded with small boards to create the 100 foot wide floor that is still used today. The floor, which famous performer Lawrence Welk termed “the most comfortable dancing surface in the world,” due to two subfloors and a cushion layer, was well-used by people in the ‘30s and ’40s who came to enjoy big bands.

Shows seen here:

October 08, 1987 - LARRY CARLTON w/sg Yellowjackets
May 04, 2000 - LARRY CARLTON w/sg Charlie Smith