LIBERTY CENTER, Ohio — A drive-in-theater in Henry County has had one of the slowest openings to a season in quite some time.
Donna Saunders, co-owner of the Field of Dreams Drive-In Theater, says the entire drive-in industry is hurting. She said there are estimates that in 2022, only 300 drive-in theaters were still in operation in the U.S. and that 20 of those have closed this year.
"There used to be over 4,000 drive-ins in the United States," she said.
Saunders also says that sales at the theater, which has been open about four miles northeast of Liberty Center since 2007, have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, despite it staying busy during the pandemic itself.
She attributes declining drive-in sales nationwide to younger generations not knowing the unique viewing experiences the theaters have to offer and that most do double features.
"I really think we're in a point where we need to do some education for masses out there, the people under 50 years old, to let them know what a drive-in is and to help them understand that you get to see two movies for one low price when you come to a drive-in," Saunders said.
Field of Dreams, like most drive-ins, Saunders said, doesn't make much money from the box office admission tickets. The majority of that money goes to the studios to pay for licensing fees for the movies.
"If people don't buy food from the concession stand, the theater is not going to stay in business," she said.
Saunders is optimistic that Field of Dreams will rebound and keep a nearly two-decade-old tradition going.
"We're still operating. We're still showing double features," she said. "To get our Facebook friends to help us share that message and let people know that we are open and we're looking forward to entertaining them very soon."
Tickets are $10 for people 13 years old and older. Kids 12 years old and younger are free with a paying adult.