Rural Radio Network
KTIC Channel
What has been a rare occasion in the past for drive-ins across the country is taking place this weekend locally, as a first-run movie will be shown at the Midwest Theater’s SkyView Drive-in this holiday weekend.
Executive Director Billy Estes says he’s excited that ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ will be debuting at the outdoor venue adjacent to the Western Nebraska Regional Airport. “We’ll be out there at the drive-in Christmas Day night, 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Jan. 1, 2 and 3 with Wonder Woman,” says Estes. “People are so looking for something new to see, and we’re happy to bring that to them in a safe way.”
As part of the first-run, Estes says the Midwest will be kicking off their popcorn bucket program for next year with Wonder Woman theme-buckets that helps the Midwest get through the end of the year.
More drive-ins across the country are seeing newer films becoming available as the industry has seen attendance fall sharply at theaters due to social distancing and capacity restrictions.
The National Association of Theater Owners says without more federal aid, 70% of mid-sized and smaller theaters across the country could file bankruptcy or close permanently in early 2021.
