The Indiana Ballroom opened on September 7, 1927, with Marion McKay’s Kings of Tempo. Admission was $1 for men, $.75 for women, coat check included. No tipping please.

Designed by architects Edgar O. Hunter and Preston Rubish, it was heralded as the world’s most "danceable" floor. The ballroom resembled the courtyard of a Spanish coastal village complete with a night-time sky adorned with twinkling stars, clouds, and a crescent moon.

1930’s - 1940’s
The ballroom flourished, hosting every imaginable big band and musical style of the era. One of the old stage doors still shows the rating system developed by two employees, which gave up to four stars to each of the performances of the 1934-35 season.

1950’s - 1960’s
Interest in big band dancing declined, and the ballroom was used for banquets, meetings, and even high school proms. The building was finally purchased by the City of Indianapolis. It’s future was uncertain.

1980
The building was saved when the theater downstairs was remodeled and reopened as the Indiana Repertory Theatre, but the ballroom was still closed and in a state of disrepair.

1986
It didn't take long for city officials and developers to realize the potential of the ballroom as an entertainment venue and banquet facility. Melvin Simon & Associates, Indianapolis-based developers, took on the project.
The historic ballroom was reopened in all its original glory after a $6 million renovation. It has hosted a wide variety of events, nearly 250 a year, ever since. Corporate affairs, wedding receptions, concertgoers, and yes, even ballroom dancing has returned to the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Today
The Indiana Roof Ballroom boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, an in-house technical staff, and an ongoing reputation for excellent food and beverage service.