How Many Acres Do You Need for a Drive-in Movie Theater?

Movie Theater|Theater

A drive-in movie theater, or flea-pit, as they are sometimes called, is an outdoor movie theater that allows viewers to watch movies from the comfort of their own cars. Drive-in theaters have been around since the 1930s, and although they have become increasingly rare in recent years due to the rise of multiplex theaters and streaming services, they can still be found in some parts of the country. But how much land is required to build a drive-in theater?

The amount of land required for a drive-in movie theater will depend on several factors, including the size and type of screen used, the number of cars that can park on the grounds, and the size of parking spaces necessary to accommodate those cars. Most commonly, drive-in theaters require between one and three acres per screen, with larger screens requiring more acreage. The amount of acreage needed for parking spaces will also depend on how many cars can fit in each space; typically between two and four cars per space.

In addition to land requirements, there are also several other expenses associated with building a drive-in theater. These include purchasing or renting projection equipment and sound systems; building or renting a snack bar; acquiring or constructing a ticket booth; obtaining permits and insurance; hiring staff; purchasing concessions; and advertising. All told, it can cost upwards of $50,000 or more to get a drive-in theater up and running.

Conclusion:

A drive-in movie theater requires between one and three acres per screen for construction purposes as well as additional acreage for parking spaces. In addition to land requirements, there are various other expenses associated with setting up a drive-in movie theater such as purchasing equipment, obtaining permits and insurance, hiring staff etc., which can add up to over $50k.