South Florida Access: Drive-in movie theaters make a comeback

Drive-in movie theaters, a sensation in the late ’50’s, have popped up all around South Florida from North Miami to Florida City in the last few months. They’ve made a comeback as the safe alternative to shuttered movie theaters during COVID-19.

South Florida Access reporter Paola Marcano-Bolívar interviewed representatives of the Hard Rock Stadium drive-in and the Florida City Cinema as well as a movie attendee to find out how things are operating.

Sam Coghill, vice president of stadium operations for the Miami Dolphins, offered some insight into how the drive-in came to be and how operators made sure their facilities would provide a fun and safe space for everyone involved.

Allison Goodman, a Miami resident who attended the Hard Rock Stadium drive-in, described the experience as “bringing the feel of the old drive-ins.” She said she would recommend it to friends.

Due to the need to prepare for the 2021 football season, the Hard Rock finished with its drive-in earlier a few weeks ago, but the outside plaza theater option will continue offering a socially distant way of going to the movies. Tonight the James Bond movie “Goldfinger” will play at 6:45. On Saturday, the superhero movie “Shazam!” will show, also at 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $19. Meal packages are available.

During the pandemic, Donald Groh, a Miami student from Duke University, became the co-creator and owner of Florida City Cinema. It also offers food.

For a fun and safe time, find a drive-in near you! Here is a short list:

Dezerland Park Drive-In, North Miami

Swap Shop (Fort Lauderdale)

3 Feo Drive-In at the Fair (Southwest Dade)

Carpool Cinema Wynwood

Florida City Cinema

Brea Jones, rising FIU senior, has experience writing, videography/photography, interviewing, using Adobe Software and currently works as  Promotion and Recruitment Director for FIU Student Media. She has worked with several publications and published over 30 articles; to see her profile click https://breajones5.wixsite.com/journalismportfolio.

From Caracas, Venezuela Paola Marcano Bolívar is pursuing her degree in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications at FIU. She hopes to work for the entertainment and music industry, sharing impactful stories through different mediums. She loves to be creative, sing, dance and do graphic design.

Cristina Feliciano is a broadcast media major at Florida International University. She is passionate about delivering the news and creating professional digital media content. She is experienced in field reporting on camera and editing news packages, but also loves to write.

Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Monica is working on her broadcast journalism bachelor's degree. She loves to write and is passionate about sports, the art of interviewing and strives to become an on-air sports talent. She produces digital content and is a social media manager.