U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In

523 Diane 29 Theater Road,
Gastonia, NC 28016

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Consolidated Theatres

Previous Names: U.S. 29 Drive-In

Nearby Theaters

U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In

One of several drive-in theatres in the greater Gastonia area, this was located just off US Route 29, to the West of the city and opposite the Gastonia Drive-In.

The U.S. 29 Drive-In opened on June 21, 1951 with John Wayne in “Operation Pacific”. It had a car capacity of 300 and one screen. A second screen was opened on June 20, 1956. Closed as the twin screen U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In in 1985.

Contributed by raymond

Recent comments (view all 18 comments)

GMNash
GMNash on March 29, 2011 at 1:18 am

I think Consolidated operated this drive in for a period of time… definitely in the 80’s, and probably some of the 70’s. I remember the name from my Consolidated days.

Mike, wow, that reel…. I hope you didn’t leave it there.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on March 30, 2011 at 4:06 pm

I bet its in his basement GM.What about it Mike?

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on March 30, 2011 at 4:21 pm

You know i have So many reels I hate to say it,but I think I left it,unless Bill the guy with me took it,he might have being an old Projectionist.that fireplace was Beautiful and in a DRIVE-in.It was a real fireplace too.

mustangmelatl
mustangmelatl on November 15, 2012 at 2:23 pm

not sure anyone will see this, but here goes: where can I find photos of the Diane 29 back in the day? My parents worked/met there and are celebrating their 50th anniversary next year. I would like to find a nice photo to enhance and frame for them. thanks!

Drive-In 54
Drive-In 54 on November 15, 2012 at 3:35 pm

Check with the local library and historical societies in the town. Pictures of drive-in theatres are tuff to find. Also try the former owners.

jwmovies
jwmovies on December 26, 2012 at 1:39 pm

Approx. address for this drive-in was 500 Diane 29 Theater Rd (State Rte. 1311).

Though very overgrown, most ramps are still there behind Food Lion.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 2, 2013 at 3:21 pm

yep, but it is Gray NOW……..Chuck…..

rivest266
rivest266 on October 30, 2013 at 6:39 pm

Aerial (of poor quality) of the drive-in uploaded here.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on December 18, 2019 at 3:47 pm

The Nov. 3, 1951 Boxoffice ran a lengthy article about the unusual features of the “Dian 29 Drive-In,” which had opened “not long ago”. There was a wood-burning fireplace in the concession area “for atmospheric effect only,” since it also had modern heating. A fish pond sat between the first ramp and the screen tower, which was covered with asbestos shingle siding. The screen was 42x59 feet.

rivest266
rivest266 on January 19, 2020 at 3:39 pm

The Diane 29 Drive-In opened on June 21st, 1951 and the 2nd screen opened on June 20th, 1956, the first twin drive-in in the state. Grand opening ads posted. Diane 29 Drive-In in Gastonia openingDiane 29 Drive-In in Gastonia opening Wed, Jun 20, 1951 – Page 14 · The Gastonia Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina) · Newspapers.com

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