Surf Ballroom

The Surf Ballroom (the Surf) is a Historic Rock and Roll Landmark at 460 North Shore Drive, Clear Lake, Iowa. The Surf is closely associated with the event known colloquially as "The Day the Music Died" - early rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson gave their last performances at the Surf on February 2, 1959 as part of the "Winter Dance Party Tour".

On September 6, 2011, The Surf Ballroom was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

History

The original Surf Ballroom opened on 17 April 1933. It burned down on 20 April 1947 at an estimated loss of $250,000. On 1 July 1948 it reopened, having been rebuilt across the street from its original location. It still hosts numerous events year round and has a seating capacity of 2,100 and a 6,300-square-foot (590 m²) dance floor. The facility includes a museum of music memorabilia, a Wall of Fame including many of the many famous artists who performed at the venue, and a souvenir shop.