Drive-ins have been a popular staple of the movie and film industry for decades, and are a great time for anyone from families to couples or just to go experience a new form of movie watching alone. However, many of us don’t know much about this activity or its history. And many of us haven’t even been to see a drive-in movie before. There’s much to know about the movie experience that has captured the hearts of many. Here are some interesting fun facts about drive-in theaters to expand your knowledge on this nice pastime that can be a great occasion for people of all ages.
New Jersey Rep
The very first drive-in theater opened in New Jersey on June 6, 1933. This was the start of the era of drive-ins for the United States. Drive-in theaters took off right around the same time that indoor theaters were beginning to gain popularity as a nice pastime for Americans that were struggling or needed a break from the workplace as well as for families.
Big Investment
Start-up costs for the first drive-in theater totaled around $30,000 in 1933. Of course, even that seems like a large investment for a theater. But that was just a start. In today’s equivalent of money that $30,000 is more like over $500,000 of an investment. All that money got put in just for the first drive-in theater to start.
Cheap Movies
In the beginning of drive-in theaters, attending a movie cost only a quarter per car or per person! That’s pretty crazy of a price when you think about the cost of movie tickets nowadays. But, that’s what the idea was meant to be. They were meant to be an inexpensive pastime for families that wanted a break, just like indoor movie theaters were back then.
Name Change
Just like many other famous names in the United States, drive-in theaters have had a revamp in name to find fame in the hearts of the country. It was originally an activity referred to as “park-in theaters” because it made sense for the activity. However, the change to drive-in theater was more recognizable and caught on faster to contribute to the fame of these theaters.
New York King
New York was considered king of the drive-in for its massive theater in Copiague. The theater had room for up to 2,500 cars and it also had lots of things for people to do while there. Copiague’s drive-in included a playground for kids, a full restaurant, and great movies with loads of space for attendees.
This list of fun facts about drive-in theaters can be great to educate others about, use as time killers for when you show up early to a drive-in, and more. There are even more things you can learn about one of America’s favorite pastimes, but these are definitely a good start to the topic. If you have a drive-in theater nearby, it may be a good opportunity to experience the activity behind these facts firsthand and take some time off from your daily life for a nice movie. Drive-ins have a lot to offer you depending on what theater you go to, if not at least a good time and relaxation for the night.