DENVER ( KDVR ) — After the news that the Denver metro’s last remaining drive-in movie theater was going to be rezoned, fans are happily surprised that the 88 Drive-In Theatre will open for the 2024 season.
Drive-in movie theaters were invented in 1933 and quickly became a gathering place for movie lovers to experience an open-air theater in the comfort of their own cars.
The beloved 88 Drive-In , located in Commerce City, opened in 1972 and has been family-owned since 1976.
Only in Denver: 5 photos that just about sum up the Mile High City However, it came as a shock to many when the owners of the 88 Drive-In Theatre decided in 2023 that they wanted to step away from the business and “go in a different direction.” The owners requested to rezone the lot to allow a multi-tenant warehouse to replace the theater, according to Commerce City.
“The decision to close the theater was not made by the city, and Commerce City has not asked or encouraged the drive-in to close its operation,” said Commerce City in a Facebook post in 2023.
Since November 2023, the drive-in has been silent on social media; that was until Monday.
“Spring is just around the corner! Are you ready for the 2024 movie season? Leave us a comment on what movies you are looking forward to this year,” said the 88 Drive-In Theatre on Facebook.
Fans of the theater quickly took to the comments to express their gratitude for another season and offer some movie options.
List: Easter sunrise services near Denver “OMG! What great news to hear today! We were so sad you were closing but SO HAPPY to hear we get another year! We will be coming for several movies!” said one fan.
“I don’t care which, I’m just glad y’all held on for one more round!!!” said another.
While an opening date for the 2024 season has not been officially announced, the drive-in said, “It’s almost time.” In the past few years, the theater has opened in April. In 2023, it opened on April 21, and in 2022 on April 22.
According to its Facebook page, the theater is open Thursday through Sunday.
FOX31 reached out to the drive-in to confirm if the plans to replace the theater with the warehouse will move forward, but the theater has not yet responded.
Regardless of future plans, the drive-in will be open for at least one more season.
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