Cinemas may be closed but South Bay Drive-In has just announced that they will be re-opening Friday night for business.
Drive-ins seem perfectly designed for social distancing with patrons able to bring their own food and drinks and stay sheltered in their cars.
Today the South Bay Drive-In Theater announced that it will be re-opening for business with three double features. One aimed at families will have "Trolls World Tour" and "The Secret Life of Pets 2." There will also be the horror pairing of "The Wretched" (just out on VOD and the newest of the film offerings) with "The Invisible Man" while the third screen hosts the more playful double bill of "Knives Out" and "The Hunt."
The snack bar will be closed but bathrooms are open. The drive-in had been ordered to shut down in early April by the city but has now been allowed to re-open according to its website and Facebook page. So if you want to go out and see a movie you now have an option.
The drive-in is located at 2170 Coronado Ave. Admission is adults $10 and children 5 to 9 years of age $1. There is a frequently asked questions page if you have never been to a drive-in or perhaps just not recently. There you can find information about how to park, when to arrive, and other restrictions. Audio for the films is broadcast through an FM transmitter or radio and not through those old clunky speakers you would attach to your window.
Distributors such as Neon and Sony have said they plan to distribute to drive-ins so maybe this will lead to a renaissance for the outdoor screening venues.
If you are feeling nostalgic, here is a podcast I did on drive-ins a long time ago.
