Moviegoers are drawn to private cinemas by social distancing.
Los Angeles’ coronavirus fear led to more people driving into drive-in theatres last week. The Los Angeles Times reported that ticket sales at the Paramount Drive-In, suburban LA, doubled from last week’s norm. This is due to more people seeking distractions while being aware of the advice and mandates to social distancing.
It’s not only LA. The Timesinterviewed drive in owners in Kansas, Okalhoma and Missouri. Many of them reported an increase in car traffic and viewers over the past few days. However, some theaters have decided to close their doors in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 1933, Camden, New Jersey saw the opening of its first drive-in. This was to capitalize on America’s growing interest in cars. According to Smithsonian magazine Richard Hollingshead, an auto parts salesman, first came up with the idea to create a cinema for his mother. Her tall stature made it difficult for her to sit in movie theater seats. Hollingshead created a unique ramp system that allowed cars to park directly in front of each other without blocking the screen. He opened his theater June 6, 1933.
In the 1950s, drive-in movies enjoyed a great popularity. However, these theaters have slowly disappeared from American roadsides. According to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association, there are currently 305 theaters across America, which support a total 549 screens.
It is possible that drive-ins may be closed as coronavirus concerns and infections spread. Paramount Drive-In is one example. California’s shelter-in-place restrictions were implemented last night for California and have forced all non-essential businesses to close. Motor1 has not yet received clarification from the theater. According to the Los Angeles Times, a drive-in restaurant in Tusla (Oklahoma) is seeking an exemption from a city-wide ban on movie theaters closing. This is similar to drive-thru eateries, which are allowed to stay open in shelter-in place situations.