Drive-In Movies Past, Present and the Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Keith Urban to old malls make use of drive-ins as concert venues, to pop up concerts.
By: Karen Kaye
Hollywood Happenings
What are you doing to help you make it through the Covid-19 pandemic? What we are not doing is our normal everyday activities such as sports, concerts, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
We are almost entirely cut off from the outside world. This year has become the year when everybody has been working and going to from home. It has been a struggle for many, but one thing that many of us have found is spending time crafting, cooking, and finding creative ways to stay in touch while still social distancing.
One of the most valuable tools for staying in touch in social media. It has become a saving grace in the way we see people. Virtual hugs are on the up rise.
There are so many things than we cannot do; there are restaurants that are striving, pop up drive-in movie theatres are becoming in vogue once again. Car Hops, and family outings in the car are once again fashionable. Covid-19 has brought on a lot of challenges in the last few months,
Drive-ins were created as early as 1910; however the first patented drive-in was opened on June 6, 1933 by Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey. The Drive-in movie was created to accommodate people who were unable to comfortably fit into smaller theatre venues.
The history of the drive in movie theaters and where they are now will always be locked forever in history. However, since the Covid-19, closed down movie theatres worldwide and locked down by sheltering in place. Drive-ins have been making a comeback of sorts, by popping up screens in parking lots of restaurants and malls while using CDC Social Distancing guidelines.
The Drive-ins grew in popularity some 20 years later during the 1950’s and 60’s thanks in part to the baby boomers. In their heyday there were over 4,000 drive-ins, stretched out across the United States. They allowed for families to spend time together at an afford rate. One of the downfalls to drive-ins and could only be used at certain times of the year due to the weather in most parts of the country.
Drive ins need at least 15 acres of land and economically it became more practical for owners to close down these drive-ins. A lot of drive-ins included double features, and a concession stand. Today, there are as of 2019 some 321 drive in movies still exist.
The Drive -In in the age of Social Distancing is making a comeback of sorts. Families are finding that what is old is new again, and a great way of spending quality family time together.
During the 2020 pandemic a blast from the past is making a comeback. Today with nearly 300 drive-ins still in existence today, and recently Keith Urban held a Drive-In Concert. You can view more by clicking the link below:
On Monday May 18, 2020 a plan was announced of the Drive-in making a comeback, which will host live concerts to movies and will open on Memorial Day weekend. The Drive-In Concerts and Movies will be held for 11 nights and held at the former site of the St. Louis Outlet Mall. The bands will include the top bands from St. Louis. For more on the Drive-In concert click the link to learn more: