The Full Throttle Saloon was destroyed by a fire in 2015 but has since been rebuilt and relocated.
In the early morning hours of September 8, 2015, a fire broke out at the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota. The blaze was reported around 12:30 AM, and by the time firefighters arrived, the structure was fully engulfed in flames. The fire was intense and fueled by the wood construction of the building and the presence of ample memorabilia and alcohol. Despite the efforts of multiple fire departments, the saloon, which was known as the “World’s Largest Biker Bar” and a popular destination during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, was completely destroyed.
The cause of the fire was investigated and determined to be accidental, originating from a faulty keg cooler that ignited nearby cardboard boxes. The owners, Michael Ballard and his wife Angie, faced the devastating loss of their business but vowed to rebuild. True to their word, they reopened the Full Throttle Saloon at a new, larger location near the Pappy Hoel Campground, just a few miles down the road from the original site. The new venue, dubbed the Full Throttle Saloon’s Pappy Hoel Campground and Resort, includes a bar, concert stages, and various amenities for visitors and has continued to serve as a key attraction during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
