The Full Throttle Saloon will be rebuilt after burning down in September 2015, destroying one of the most famous of the Sturgis Rally attractions.
Proprietors Michael and Angie Ballard and partner Jess James plan to rebuild the saloon on a new 600-acre (242ha) plot five miles (8km) further out of town, formerly the Broken Spoke campground. It will include a swimming pool and camping ground.
The Full Throttle Saloon and its “colourful” staff rose to fame when it featured in a reality TV show of the same name.
It was renowned as the “World’s Largest Biker Bar,” with 30-acres featuring an enormous indoor/outdoor bar with several large stages, a burn-out pit, a tattoo parlor, zip lines, a wrestling ring, restaurants, dozens of stores, hundreds of cabins for rent and parking for thousands of bikes.
We attended the full Throttle Saloon in 2014 and found it far less than our expectations with dirt floors, mud, wild animals (not people) and a ripe stench. However, that’s probably all part of the saloon’s “rustic charm”.
Let’s hope the new venue is a little more permanent and worthy of the estimated six million bike enthusiasts who have entered the facility’s gates over the past two decades.
New site near Bear ButteMichael says they will name the facility the Pappy Hoel Campground after the founder of the rally now in its 76th year.
“When the purchase was in motion to move the Full Throttle Saloon, it simply felt perfect to honor the family who founded this event,” he says.
“Although I never had the honor to meet Pappy, his wife Pearl was in our life and his son Jack continues to be. We are very proud to have been chosen to manage the brand on behalf of the family. When he began this rally in 1938, his vision impacted motorcycle culture in a profound way.”
The new property will open for on Friday, July 29. Click here for more information and camping reservations.
The proprietors have also announced their headline acts for this year’s rally as Ted Nugent, Zakk Wylde and Jackyl.