Where have all the drive-ins gone?
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Raise your hand if you remember going to the drive-in as a kid. Now raise your hand if you have been any time in the last 5-10 years. I ask, where have all the drive-ins gone, and why do more people not attend the ones that are open? If you have not been in the last decade, do a Google search right now to see if there is one in your area. Why? Many drive-ins offer a double feature, that is two movies for the price of one. If your drive-in is like mine, at $6.50 a ticket, I see two movies for cheaper than the ticket price of one at a regular theater. More importantly, the experience! Bring the whole family, bring chairs, blankets, as much food as you like, and sit or lay out any which way you like. What is not to like?
Drive-in theaters got their start in the 1930’s. A man named Richard Hollingshead Jr, considered the father of the drive-in, opened the first one in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933. From there, it just caught on. Over the next 20 to 30 years, drive-ins exploded across the United States. In 1958, considered the peak for drive-ins, there were around 5,000 in existence. Today, there are less than 400 in the U.S. Popularity dropped in the 70’s and since. Recently there has been somewhat of a revival with theaters being remodeled and opened again. My state, Arizona, has around four.
Until this last year, I had not been to a drive-in for about 10 years. I started with one that was located close by in Scottsdale. I attended several times and wondered why more people didn’t take advantage of such a fun place. That location has since closed, but thankfully the company has another location in Glendale. This is a 30 minute drive for us, but well worth it! The West Wind Drive-ins company owns this location and several more in other states. I have provided a link to their website below. See if you are one of the lucky ones! The Glendale location is Arizona’s largest drive-in with nine screens. The picture quality is great, and there is plenty of parking. (make sure to turn off your headlights so you don't blind others!) The sound is broadcast on FM radio, and worked perfectly for us. There is a risk of running down your car battery. Have no fear though, they offer a complimentary jump start if you need one. They show a wide variety of films as well. Newly released, family and kid films, as well as films for more mature audiences.
The concession stand is quite nice, as are the bathrooms. They are kept clean and are well lit. There are even several arcade games inside. The snack bar offers a large selection of foods at reasonable prices, especially when compared to regular theaters. We always bring our own dinner, but ended up being hungry during the second movie. What can I say? I love food. For our experience we brought a foam mattress and placed it in the back of the truck. We brought pillows from the couch for extra back support, along with blankets to keep warm. It is simply fantastic to sit under the stars, enjoy some fresh air and snuggle during a movie. Looking for something unique for a date or the next family activity? I highly recommend finding a drive-in near you. Some of you will, of course, need to wait for warmer weather. For those of you in the valley, check out the Glendale location. We love it!
West wind Drive-in link
- Drive-ins and Drive-in Movie Theatres at DriveinMovie.com
Guide to Drive-ins and Drive-in movies, films, outdoor theatres and cinemas; oldest focalpoint on the Internet for Drive-ins and the history of Drive-in theatres.
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Thank you! It is so sad I think. The drive-in experience is so fun. Is there a drive-in in your current area?
none that I know of unfortunately.
Nice article, welcome to hubpages! I agree I love drive-in theaters and wish there are more around. The closest one to me is about an hour away. I check the double features from time to time, but have yet to find the perfect combo worth the drive. If there was one closer with multiple screens, I would definitely be a regular.
Aw, I loved this trip down memory lane. Where are my drive-ins?! This is yet another part of my childhood I cannot share with my children (sadly). I remember going and watching movies with my family and dragging out the lawn chairs and sitting under the stars. Now I will have to go search my area and see if any drive-ins are still open. You have a great start here! Welcome to HubPages and let me know if I can help in any way :)
Thanks, I hope you find the perfect combo soon!
Thank you! Definitely just getting started and looking around and willing to learn.
I live in northern new jersey , the nearest one to us is one in warwick new york that we went to a few years ago, i wonder if it's still open.
mio cid, thanks for reading. Check and see if it is open!
Sorry people, hubpages noob. I have now learned to put the names of the person I am addressing in each comment. Thanks for putting up with me!
wow.. I was just asking this question this is unreal. and you answered all my questions. I loved the drive ins when I was a teenager. we had the best time there.. Welcome to the hubs..
Voted up
Debbie
Debbie, thank you for the welcome. The drive-ins are wonderful. Look for one near you and relive some memories!
Great info about the rise and fall ofmdrive in theaters.. But I have never seen or visited such theaters so I didn't feel the loss. Thanks for SHARING
Madurai, thanks for reading and commenting. If you do ever get the chance to go to a drive-in, I recommend it. :-)
DRIVE-IN THEATRE OWNERS FROM ACROSS THE NORTH AMERICA GATHER FOR 12TH ANNUAL UDITOA CONVENTION AND TRADE SHOW
For Immediate Release:
Date: February 10, 2012
Kissimmee, FL. — Drive-in theatre owners and operators from across the United States and Canada traveled to Florida this week to learn the latest developments in theatre technology, hospitality and operations plus share their perspective on issues facing the industry.
“As the economy continues to recover, families are searching for affordable recreation. The drive-in theatre not only remains a uniquely American institution, but in this economy still offers an outstanding value in family entertainment” said John Vincent, Jr., President of the United Drive-in Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA).
Ongoing industry conversion to Digital Projection was a major topic of discussion. UDITOA wants to make sure drive-in theatres are not only able to convert to digital but have the ability to thrive in a digital world.
While drive-in owners are excited by the potential of this new technology, they are faced with the daunting task of raising capital for the conversion. UDITOA is working hard to ensure the ongoing success of this unique entertainment option.
With the current generation of digital projectors, which most converting drive-ins will be installing, newer technologies such as higher frame rates will allow drive-ins to offer patrons dramatically enhanced picture quality and allow drive-in theatres to remain competitive for the foreseeable future.
Attendees were addressed by National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) President John Fithian and senior NATO staff who updated the group on industry issues as well as federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives.
Representatives of valued UDITOA partners in the digital projection industry provided technical demonstrations and practical solutions for attendees. A full range of exhibitors were on hand to showcase their new business resources, novelty and food products as well.
Also presenting to attendees were representatives of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and the Will Rogers Institute. UDITOA is a proud supporter of the important charitable medical work, education and research conducted by Will Rogers.
“The coming months will see many of our theatres taking the steps needed to move them into the digital age. Our members are fully invested in doing everything they can to enhance our patrons’ experience when they visit our theatres” said Vincent. _________________________________________________________
Representing Drive-in Theatres across the United States and internationally since 1999, the United Drive-in Theatre Owners Association, Inc. (UDITOA) is the premier association promoting the welfare of owners and operators of drive-in motion picture theatres and the interests of the movie-going public. UDITOA is a 501 [c] [6] organization. Visit www.uditoa.org for more information or call 443-490-1250 to leave a voicemail message.
Drive-in Facts:
• In 1933 businessman Richard Hollingshead built the first drive-in theatre in Camden, New Jersey.
• Built second, and located in Orefield, Pennsylvania, UDITOA member Shankweiler's is the oldest Drive-in Movie Theatre in America, and has been in continuous operation since 1934.
• Statistics – There are currently 606 drive-in screens and 366 theatres in the Continental U.S. At their height, there were over 4,000 U.S. drive-ins.
• There have been a number of new-builds and reopened theatres in the last decade marking a resurgence of interest in the drive-in entertainment option.
• UDITOA has members in Canada and Australia making it a truly international association.
Voted up, awesome, and interesting. Cool article. I have never seen a drive-in during my entire 29 years alive. I would think one where I live would do great. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a comeback actually. Love all the stats you added. Cool article. Take care.
This was really interesting and very reminiscent. Thank you!
Stu, thank you for the extra info! Very interesting and exciting for the drive-in industry. Thanks for sharing.
Thelyricwriter, thanks for reading and the vote up. I hope you get the chance to enjoy the drive-in experience.
ytsenoh, thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. :-)
We still have one active drive-in in our town - with two screens. At one screen they play three of the latest movies for $8 per person. At the other screen, they play the not so new and some classics for $10 per carload...our family loves going! We try to make it out a least once a month during their season. At one time we had at least five drive-ins but we are down to this last one...
Thanks for SHARING! And welcome!
justateacher, that is great! Such a good deal too, and it makes such a fun family night. Thanks for commenting and thanks for the welcome.
Hello, Shell-Belle,
I really did enjoy reading this excellent hub. It brought some fond memories to mind.
Because I grew up in Southern California (which quite possibly was the drive-in-theater capital of the world back then)drive-in's were nearly as much a part of my life as going to school. I loved those places.
So, thank you very much for making me laugh and smile broadly.
Feenix, thank you for reading and for taking the time to comment. Keep on smiling!
voted up! Back in my hometown of Lake Worth, Florida, we have a drive-in theater. It was about to close, but someone bailed it out (not the government), and added another screen.
I grew up going to this drive-in when my mother used to pop popcorn on the stove, but it in a big paper bag, and we burned mosquito coils.
Up until last year, when my husband and I moved to Charleston, we enjoyed that drive-in tremendously. I am proud to say that my grown children had the opportunity to enjoy the experience as well.
Great hub, Shell...thanks for the memories!
Peter Leeper Level 2 Commenter 3 months ago
Interesting article! I wonder about where the drive ins have gone often. Even as recently as 10 years ago when I still lived in Western Pennsylvania, there was a drive in near us that played relatively new movies and always a double feature for about $5.00 a person in the car. Needless to say, I was a poor college student at the time and it was a nice inexpensive way for my fiance at the time and myself to have a movie night out!