“The best is yet to come,” he promised.Īfter opening its doors in 1947, El Casino Ballroom became the favorite haunt of music lovers from both the Hispanic and Anglo communities.

Social Club president Edward Lopez is undaunted. 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 1,000-person capacity, or even larger. Unfortunately, it would take nine years to get El Casino back in business, and even then at only half its original size.īut 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.

In October 1991 a Tucson landmark almost bit the dust.Ī giant windstorm tore the roof off the southeast side of El Casino Ballroom and sent it sailing into the parking lot.įortunately, the storm happened when none of the usual functions at the venue was taking place.