The Ritz Ybor
The Ritz Ybor is a nationally registered historical special events venue in Tampa, Florida. Various artists such as Lady Gaga, Tiësto and Purity Ring have performed sold-out shows since the business first opened its doors on June 26, 2008..[1] In addition to concerts, The Ritz Ybor has also hosted various events such as the 2009 Maxim Super Bowl Party, the annual Ken Walters’ Celebrate Sinatra, the annual Gorrie Gala and the BET Black Carpet Party. Also, private events such as weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, bah mitzvahs, sweet 16 birthday parties, banquets and fundraisers have taken place at The Ritz Ybor.[2]
History of building
In 1917, the building opened as the Rivoli Theatre,[3] a red brick building with a silent movie theater on the first floor and various apartments on the second floor. It was the first theater of its kind in the United States.[4] In 1931, the building underwent an expansion and reopened as The Ritz Theatre.[5] It continued to show a variety of standard films until December 31, 1965, when it transitioned to nudie shows and XXX-rated films.[5] In September 1983, developer William E. Field purchased the building and remodeled it once again.[5] Field’s ambitions never materialized, and a bank foreclosure in 1987 forced him to close his doors.[5] That same year, the building was leased to The Masquerade nightclub.[6] As Masquerade, the venue saw the performances of a variety of rising alternative acts such as Nirvana, Sugarcubes, Jane’s Addiction, The Foo Fighters, Nince Inch Nails and De La Soul.[6] In 1988, the Capitano family purchased the building as an investment property.[3] In 1973 and 1989, Ybor City was listed on the National Register of Historic Places[7] and the National Historic Landmark District,[8] respectively. This building was listed as a contribution in both entries. In 2006, the Masquerade tenants were evicted.[6] The building underwent a $2 million renovation and on June 26, 2008 opened its doors as The Ritz Ybor, a special events and live music venue.[9]
The building is located in the heart of historic Ybor City. The Ritz Ybor is a short trolley ride away from the Channelside district, two to three miles from downtown Tampa and a 15-minute car ride from Tampa International Airport. It is located within walking distance of the Centro Ybor Entertainment Complex and the Ybor City Hillsborough County Community College campus. The address is: 1503 E. Seventh Avenue, Ybor City, FL 33605
Venue
The venue counts with over 17,000 square feet (1,600 m2), three distinct rooms, a grand foyer, full service bars, a state of the art lighting system and a caterers prep kitchen that allows for outside licensed and insured catering. The three rooms inside the venue are the Royal Room, the Rivoli Room and the Theatre Ballroom. The Theatre Ballroom has a 25-by-44-foot (7.6 m × 13.4 m) theatrical stage. The Grand Foyer, which connects all three rooms, houses the original terrazzo floors, art deco mirrors and wall sconces.[9]
References
- ^ "The Ritz Ybor: Concerts". Smugmug. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ "The Ritz Ybor: Special Events". Smugmug. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ a b Lansing, George (November 8, 2009). "Ritz Theater, Ybor City, Tampa, FL". Digital Commons. University of North Florida. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ "Ritz Theater (Rivoli Theater)". AIA Tampa Bay. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ a b c d Hawes, Leland (June 3, 2001). "The Ritz". The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ a b c Cridlin, Jay. "Life after the Masquerade: Where's Ybor heading now?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ "National Register of Historic Places". National Park Service. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ "Ybor City Historic District Tampa, Florida". National Park Service. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
- ^ a b "Venue". The Ritz Ybor. Retrieved November 16, 2015.