De Anza Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Tucson, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The De Anza Drive-in Theatre is the last remaining open drive-in in
Tucson, Arizona. Sporting four screens, this ozoner, once called the Cactus,
still delights fans with multiple choices for entertainment. Unfortunately,
the pace of change is quickening, and the could be next to fall
by the wayside. Former name "Cactus" info courtesy Andy Callahan
Glendale
9 Drive-in Theatre
Phoenix, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here's the Glendale 9 of Phoenix, Arizona. Yes, 9 individual screens
make up this lot. With 9 ticket booths and screen towers, business should
be brisk at this open-air supreme.
UPDATE 11/20 : The Glendale 9 Drive-in Theater first opened in 1979. The first owner was Syufy. West Wind now owns the Glendale 9. This is Arizona's last open drive-in theater and is known as the largest drive-in theater west of the Mississippi. See the Glendale 9 website for more information. 11-20
The marquee for the Glendale 9 Drive-in Theater
Glendale, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
According to this sign, the drive-in is open every Sat and Sun. At least it was circa 1999.
More photos
The view of the lot Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The ticket booths standing like soldiers Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The view of the lot 2 Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Scottsdale Six Drive-in (Closed)
Scottsdale, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Scottsdale Six in Scottsdale, Arizona sports 3 less screens
than the Glendale 9 but has the distinction of having a grassy hut located
on the property facing the roadside. No, it's not a mistake... the snack
bar does look just like the Glendale 9's.
UPDATE 07/13 : The Scottsdale 6 Drive-in Theatre closed about three years ago. The Native American tribe owned the land that the Drive In was on, and when the lease expired they wanted back the land. so they got it. The drive-in has been closed ever since. Many thanks to David Hughes for update. 07-13
Tonto Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Winslow, AZ Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Tonto Drive-in Theatre in Winslow Arizona is one of the last
remaining Route 66 open-air theaters left. The ruins of this theatre can
be seen off I-40.
If any drive-in
has a romantic edge to it, the Tonto is it. This drive-in is one that captures the spirit of not just the Mother Road but of road trips in general.
Former ticket booth (1998) Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
UPDATE : The Tonto was operated by Nance and had a capacity of 300
cars. Many thanks to Andy Callahan for update.
UPDATE : The screen and ticket booth have both been razed and are now just
a memory. At this point, just the marquee remains, but for how long?