Features
New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom Stays Dark
The aftereffects of Hurricane Sandy, which ripped through New England and the Mid-Atlantic states just before Halloween, are still being felt by the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J.
The 2,500-capacity venue posted a statement on Facebook in November explaining the Starland wouldn’t likely reopen until the spring.
“Hurricane Sandy devastated our electrical system and damaged our sound, lighting, heating / cooling and plumbing systems – all necessary ingredients in operating a public venue,” the venue wrote. “Given the demand for these components in the regional housing and commercial sectors, we do not anticipate being able to open again until Spring 2013.”
A local construction official recently confirmed as much to the local Tri-Town News.
Kirk Miick told the paper flooding led to “extensive damage to electrical systems throughout the premises,” adding “the damaged equipment is not something you can pick up at Home Depot.”
Reconstruction is expected to begin shortly after the new year and concerts are not scheduled to resume until late March at the earliest.
“We regret that any of these shows are going away, but not as much as we regret the pain, suffering and destruction experienced by our customers throughout the Garden State,” the venue said. “Much like the spirit of New Jersey, you can’t stop rock ‘n roll. And we don’t intend to.”
Next year marks the Starland’s 10th anniversary.