drive in theaters?

Question

Our drive in theater in my town was recently torn down. I have heard that it was one of the last ones. Do you have any in your area, or do you know how many are still around? Just curious

we fought so hard to keep ours up, but the owner passed away, and the efforts sort of failed. He was the one keeping it alive but as soon as he was gone they swooped in. Its very sad, seeing as how it was literally the only thing to do in my town besides the bowling alley.

Answer 1

There are drive-ins across the country, but they are pretty rare. We have 2 near me (within 1-2 hours max).
here is a site with a list of drive ins, both still running and some that are gone.
http://www.driveintheater.com/index.htm

Answer 2

Sadly, drive-ins are pretty much as extinct as the dinosaurs.

Just as the movie-going experience in general is being hurt by home entertainment (dvd's, etc), the drive-in was hurt even more and it just isn't coming back.

First off, you had to get the whole family together and everyone had to be cooped up in the car for two to three hours. It was okay for little children because it was a little adventure, and there was a big dusty playground under the screen for intermission. But adolescents just didn't really like it. Then, rather than charging for a whole car load, the theatres got greedy and asked for individual admissions, so why should Dad put up with all of this if he isn't going to get any sort of discount. And then of course they started making a big stink about bringing your own food so you have to eat the sorry mushed up hamburgers and who really wants that?

Then, there was always the liability costs because no one would remember to put the big speaker back on the rack, and it would shatter your side window when you roared out to beat the traffic jam getting out. And the theatre would never fix or replace them, so you had to drive for ten minutes finding a space that works.

A Drive-In was sort of like a convertible car. It sounds a LOT cooler than it really is.

Answer 3

I live in Phoenix where conditons are favorable for drive ins and there are about 2 in the phoenix area in my knowledge. I remember going to see Hope Floats, the Xfiles movie and Can't Hardly Wait all in one night at a scottsdale drive in. They are definitely a great way for families to get together outside and enjoy a film. My friends and I sat outside and had a little picnic. I think there should definitely be more around!

Answer 4

There are still a few scattered around Southern California - I think maybe 5. Apparently there used to be at least 100 in the past. Most are flea markets and swap meets now.

Answer 5

Drive-in movies were great. You could pop a grocery sack of pop corn to take with you or get some burgers or KFC. You could take your beverage of choice. You can smoke or talk when you wanted to. If the movie was bad you could make out with your date. If you took the kids, just let them go to sleep in the backseat when they got tired. And remember those dancing hot dogs and ice cream bars in the advertisements during the intermission? The only drive-in here in southeastern Michigan that I know of is in Coldwater.

Answer 6

They tore down our last one 2-3 years ago and built an office complex. This is in the Milwaukee area.

Answer 7

I have one 15 minutes from me and they show quite a few movies every night during the spring and summer. I live in rhode Island and I hear there is one in New Hampshire near a friend of mine.

Answer 8

Milford Drive In Milford NH, Still showing new releases

Answer 9

There are two that still exist in my area, which is the Mpls./St. Paul area of Minnesota. See the link listed below. It has lots of interesting information.

Answer 10

Ours is struggling, they have been getting up to date movies this year they have the $10 car load special and they have a cute commerical.
The Star-Lite Drive-In gives you more call 524-2424
Wichita, KS hopefully it stays open.