Rocket Drive-In

2900 E. Broadway Avenue,
Sweetwater, TX 79556

300 cars

Unfavorite 2 people favorited this theater

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Rowley United Theatres Inc., United Artists Theater Circuit Inc.

Nearby Theaters

The sign with the screen

The Rocket Drive-In was opened on August 29, 1950 with Robert Preston in “The Sundowners”. It originally had a sign on the front of the tower that spelled out "ROCKET" Sometime in the 1980’s it got a new metal screen and the sign was removed. It closed shortly after that and a church used the snack bar and projection booth. By 2024 a RV park uses part of the property and most of the drive-in theatre survives.

Contributed by Malcolm Crawford

Recent comments (view all 11 comments)

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 10, 2010 at 6:24 pm

Well, Malcolm.It parked 300 cars and was owned by Robb&Worley.Two other Drive-ins in Sweetwater were Midway and Mustang.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on May 10, 2010 at 8:40 pm

Thanks for the photos ken mc.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on May 12, 2010 at 8:45 pm

You know Chuck 1231, it amazes me that until a few weeks ago I had no idea UA was in the theatre business in the 60’s.I had assumed they came around in the 80’s when they were buying up regional chains.I have learned something on CT.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on May 12, 2010 at 10:32 pm

Mike LOEWS and UA had some theatres together,also we showed almost all the UA movies at the LOEWS in Nashville.As you know LOEWS has some hotels including the LOEWS VANDERBUILT PLAZA here that is still in operation.

Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois
Ret. AKC (NAC) CCC Bob Jensen, Manteno, Illinois on May 16, 2010 at 10:58 pm

I THINK it was open from ABOUT 1955-1985, anyone know for sure?

Can anyone give us the address or crossroad on U.S. Business 20 of this drive-in?

RangerMK
RangerMK on August 22, 2010 at 10:10 am

Chief – The Rocket’s the drive-in on the east side of town, west of I-20 Exit 247 on Business 20, across from Gillespie Street. Sign only with no lettering plus the screen as well as “Coming Soon! Big Top RV” signage. I field checked the theater (as well as the Midway on the west side of town) on Mon 16 Aug 2010 while TDY to Dyess AFB – Mark Morgan, former medium attack puke, USN

Rogue
Rogue on July 12, 2011 at 10:04 am

Full page Color Picture of the old Rocket on page 99 of Roadside America.

Drive-In 54
Drive-In 54 on July 8, 2017 at 7:49 pm

Address is 2900 E Broadway Ave Sweetwater,TX 79556

dansdriveintheater
dansdriveintheater on March 17, 2019 at 11:59 pm

closed and never reopened and untouched. the ramps, theater screen ,marquee, ticket booth, and concession/projectorth still remain all of which are in excelent condition!

Kenmore
Kenmore on January 21, 2024 at 10:40 pm

An RV park has been established on the northern part of the drive-in. However, the rest of the drive-in remains intact, although overgrown with trees.

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