The State of Drive-In Theaters in the US in 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the entertainment sector, forcing many theaters to close their doors. The drive-in theater, on the other hand, has experienced a rebirth as a result of the pandemic. These outdoor theaters provide a distinctive experience by letting moviegoers watch a movie in the convenience and security of their own vehicles. But in 2020, how many drive-in theaters will there still be in the US?

According to the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA), there will be about 305 drive-in theaters left in the country by the year 2020. Over 4,000 drive-ins were open nationwide at their busiest in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Drive-ins, however, experienced a decline as a result of the popularity of indoor theaters and the development of home entertainment systems, with many of them closing their doors in the 1970s and 1980s.

Despite this decline, drive-in theaters have experienced a resurgence in recent years due to the increasing popularity of other entertainment options. Due to the pandemic, the number of drive-ins in the US increased by 3% in 2019, and this trend has continued in 2020. People can enjoy a night out at a drive-in while yet keeping their social distance.

The “nightly double” feature, where two films are presented back-to-back for one admission fee, is a popular feature of drive-in theaters. Many drive-ins still show double features, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1950s.

The Ford Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan, is one drive-in that has attracted attention on a national scale during the pandemic. Since it first opened in 1950, this historic theater has been a mainstay of the neighborhood and is one of the few drive-ins left with a big, single screen. The Ford Wyoming Drive-In has survived the pandemic’s difficulties and continues to provide a distinctive moviegoing experience.

Uncertainty surrounds the number of drive-ins that will be open in 2021. While drive-in theaters have experienced a resurgence as a result of the pandemic, it’s also possible that many will close as a result of the recent economic difficulties. Drive-ins, on the other hand, present a way for people to enjoy a night out while continuing to be safe and socially reclusive. Drive-ins are expected to be a well-liked form of entertainment for years to come as long as the pandemic persists.