The Art Deco style Commodore Ballroom was built in 1929 by George Conrad Reifel. It's grand opening on December 3, 1930 in Vancouver was closed briefly due to the stock market crash. It re-opened with managing directors Nick Kogas and Johnny Dillias hosting dinner and dancing Saturday nights for $1 admission
This "best dance floor in town" had plush carpets and floor-length curtains. House bands played exclusively for years. Out-of-town performers included The Dorsey Brothers, Count Basie, George Burns, Rudy Vallee and Sammy Davis Jr.
The Commodore Ballroom hosts over 150 events each year, with over 120,000 guests annually. Read more about its history…