LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WIVB)- The drive-in movie theater industry has struggled across America as theaters transition into the digital age. The Transit Drive-In Theater is one of the last of its kind in Western New York.
The theater’s owner, Rick Cohen, told News 4 they saw 1,000 cars during some nights this summer. The highest number of people turned out for big blockbusters like Jurassic World and Minions.
The theater has been open since 1952, marking the start of summer every year.
“It’s just a fun thing to do,” said Cathy Schwab, at the drive-in. “You’re getting to be out in the air, there’s just such an appeal about it. Nostalgia is a big piece.”
Over the last decade, Transit Drive-In has faced a major challenge switching over to digital projectors. It costs $75,000 per screen and its forced many theaters out of business.
“They do an introduction before they start the movies and basically it’s about how drive-in theaters are kind of going away, they’re going out of business,” said movie-goer Teddy Perez. “To actually have one locally is a good feeling.”
It took the theater about seven years to finance the project. It made the switch in 2012 and now cars line up to see the latest flicks. Owner Rick Cohen said 2012 and 2013 were record-breaking years.
The United Drive-In Theater Owners Association said, however, across America the number of drive-in theaters has dropped to just about 390, which is 50 fewer than 15 years ago.
People told News 4 the unique experience makes these theaters worth supporting.
“They play 80s movies, retro movies,” said Perez.
Cathy Schwab told News 4, “They had the Bills games here. They didn’t charge for the Bills games itself, that was free, but anything you bought at the snack bar, all of the proceeds went to the Buffalo City Mission.”
The theater plans to show at least one Bills game again this year.
“That’s one of the things I love about the Transit Drive-In, how they support the community and, for me at least, that’s what makes them such a huge draw,” said Schwab.
New York State has the highest number of drive-in theaters in America, according to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association. New York has 29 theaters. Pennsylvania is a close second with 28 theaters.
