According to the most recent data from the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association, there are still about 321 drive-in cinemas in operation in the United States. Drive-ins continue to be a popular source of entertainment for many Americans, despite the fact that this number may seem negligible in compared to the thousands of indoor theaters spread out across the nation. And among these 321 cinemas, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania, stands out as the biggest drive-in theater in the world.
Since its initial opening in 1934, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre has been running continuously. Wilson Shankweiler, who had previously run a mobile movie projector that he would set up in various spots across the Lehigh Valley, founded the theater. Shankweiler made the decision to erect a permanent drive-in theater on the site after the chance to buy a sizable plot of land in Orefield presented itself.
The largest drive-in cinema in the world as of today, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre can accommodate 650 automobiles. The theater has two screens, and every night during its operational season (April through September), double films are presented. Shankweiler’s organizes events like flea markets and classic car shows in addition to screening movies.
In the 1950s and 1960s, when families piled into their automobiles to watch the newest movies at the neighborhood drive-in, drive-in theaters first gained popularity. However, in the decades that followed, a lot of drive-ins had to close due to the development of indoor theaters and home entertainment systems. However, drive-ins have recently had a resurgence in popularity as many younger viewers have learned to appreciate the special experience of viewing a movie from the comfort of their own vehicle.
The first drive-in theater, created by Richard Hollingshead in 1933, debuted on June 6th, 1933, in Camden, New Jersey. After hearing his mother moan about the uncomfortable chairs in indoor theaters, Hollingshead was motivated to build the theater. Before he let the public into his theater, he tried out several projection and sound setups, and it was a huge success.
With a capacity for 650 cars, Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania, is the biggest drive-in theater in the entire world. Drive-in theaters have experienced ups and downs in popularity throughout the years, but many Americans still adore them as a source of entertainment. While the precise number of drive-in theaters throughout history may never be known, their persistent popularity is proof of the distinctive experience they provide.