Drive-in coming amid efforts to boost Detroit economy
DETROIT (AP) — A 65-vehicle drive-in theater is coming to downtown Detroit amid efforts to boost the city amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Detroit-based Bedrock real estate and Emagine Entertainment are scheduled to open the Monroe Street Drive-In Powered By Emagine later this month with 1993’s “Jurassic Park.”
Family-friendly movies will be shown on a 60-foot-by-32-foot outdoor digital projection screen on the site of a future office, retail and residential development called the Monroe Blocks.
The drive-in will feature outdoor seating, pedestrian paths, concession pavilions, lighting and warming areas. Mask-wearing, social distancing and other COVID-19 virus guidelines will be enforced while visitors are outside their vehicles.
Fears of spreading the coronavirus have prompted states and local governments to institute stay-at-home orders and lockdowns of businesses that cater to large groups of people, including restaurants and movie theaters.
“Movies have always offered us a couple of hours to unplug and escape, and that has never seemed more important than now,” Bedrock Chief Operating Officer Ivy Greaner said. “The drive-in theater is our way of offering the community a way to get out of the house and safely enjoy a night out for the whole family.”
Patrons will be able to order food from some downtown restaurants and have it delivered to their vehicles.
Movies will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “Jurassic Park” will be shown Jan. 22. “Shrek” will be shown Jan. 23, followed by “Back to the Future” on Jan. 24.
The cost will be $20 per vehicle.
The area had been the home of Detroit’s first theater district in the early 1900s.
The drive-in is part of Bedrock’s “Decked Out Detroit” initiative with Rocket Community Fund. The initiative is part of Bedrock’s efforts to support Detroit small businesses and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.