Although some might see drive-in movie theaters as a relic from the past, others like Sun City resident, Diane Scott, see them as a family friendly form of entertainment bringing back memories to a time when she and her siblings could enjoy a film outdoors in their family car while wearing their pajamas and enjoying familiar movie snacks.
While popularity in such theaters has dwindled, drive-ins, such as the Golden Age Cinema in McHenry, have seen a recent surge in attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic due to not having the same limitations of mass gatherings like their indoor counterparts.
Golden Age Cinema General Manager Ben Nugent stated that the selling out of tickets for shows is imminent now more than ever because of the 350-vehicle capacity limit they have set from their regular 750 vehicle capacity. Further rules and restrictions for patrons attending the drive-in are listed on their website and Facebook page.
“We do not have pre-sale tickets either online or at our box office. All tickets are purchased at the box office the night of the show. Our lot is based on the ‘first come, first serve,’ basis. There is no spot saving allowed. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are to follow strict guidelines in order to stay safe and stay open,” Nugent said.
For 86-year-old Jim Darow, drive-ins seem like a distant memory as the last time he remembers going to one was with his children 60 years ago when he was 25.
“At the time, it was a good deal and we brought our own snacks. I can’t imagine even considering a drive-in today with TV, Roku, Redbox, Netflix, Amazon and DVR recorders. I wish the proprietors of drive-ins well, but their days [must] be numbered. On the other hand, the restrictions of social distancing can be ignored in a drive-in environment,” Darow said.
Sun City resident and president of the Grandma, Grandpa, and Me Club, Cindy Ptak, enjoyed the times she frequented drive-ins as a teenager. She recommends drive-ins as an alternative option for those wanting a blast from the past.
“We love to go to the movies, but until we feel safe around lots of people, the drive-in is a great option to have to go out to see a movie,” Ptak said.
