November 10, 2009 (2009-11-10) – December 22, 2015 (2015-12-22)
Full Throttle Saloon is an American reality television series that premiered on November 10, 2009, and originally aired on truTV.[1] The series chronicles the daily operations of the Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota, the world's largest biker bar. Located on 30 acres of land purchased in 1999 by Michael Ballard, the indoor/outdoor bar included 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 motorcycles.[1] It was open from late March/early April until mid-November (weather permitting), and was busiest during the annual week-long Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Each year, the first full week of August marks the beginning of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, during which time, the Saloon could average 20,000 guests each night.
The series aired its fifth season with TruTV on December 2, 2013.[2] After five successful seasons with the network, TruTV confirmed via Twitter that they did not shoot a sixth season in 2014.[3]Reelz Channel announced that they would begin airing episodes on October 3, 2014.[4][5] Reelz confirmed they would only be broadcasting classic episodes of the show from previous seasons.[6]
A massive fire destroyed the Full Throttle Saloon on September 8, 2015.[7] Ballard later stated that the fire started when a pinched power cord to a keg refrigerator overheated and ignited a nearby cardboard box.[8]
Both Michael and Angie Ballard struggle with running the Full Throttle Saloon and parenting their 4-month old daughter. Michael also has to deal with business being slow (in the year before the huge 75th anniversary of Rally) and increasingly aggressive competition from another bar across the street. A controversial stunt practice run puts a wedge between Michael and Jesse.
50
2
"Crime and Punishment"
December 8, 2015 (2015-12-08)
N/A
Michael and Jesse mend their relationship and come up with a unique way to introduce Baby Emilly to the patrons of the Full Throttle Saloon but, in doing so, they incur the wrath of Momma Angie. Jesse's Jackyl Night concert helps save a slow season and plans begin in earnest for the 75th anniversary.
51
3
"Rally Around the Family - The 75th Anniversary"
December 15, 2015 (2015-12-15)
N/A
It's the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis motorcycle rally, Full Throttle Saloon witnesses record crowds and problems. Michael contemplates selling Full Throttle and gets a call that changes everything.
52
4
"Full Throttle Fire: Rise from the Ashes"
December 22, 2015 (2015-12-22)
N/A
After the fire that burned the Full Throttle Saloon to the ground on September 8, 2015, Michael, Angie, and Jesse gather for a "round table discussion" about what the Full Throttle has meant to them and their extended family over the years. They discuss the fire that changed their lives and Michael announces whether or not he plans to rebuild the Full Throttle Saloon (which he ultimately does, but at a new site).
