A fantasic theatre in a great location, it was a regular haunt by myself and my sisters during our childhood. The lines would often pour out of the small lobby into the parking lot. In later years, a second entrance and small concession was added on the west side of the building. When the adjacent San Ramon Auto Movies was twinned, the second screen projection was shot out of the back of the indoor. I always prefeered this theatre to the GC location across the street. While it was older and a bit more run-down, it had a lot more charm.
In regards to Brett’s question, the Burlingame 4 was part of the Syufy/Century chain, but unlike most of its other SF Bay Area locations, Syufy didn’t own the land that the theatre occupied.
The Sunrise Drive In has closed permanently, and is slated for demolition. Local civic leaders are revoking the commercial use permit to operate a Drive-in at this site, due to the owner’s inability to conform to safety codes for the property and structures. This closure, soon to be followed by the closure of the Sacramento 6 Drive-in, marks the end of operational Drive-ins in the Sacramento Area. R.I.P., Sunrise Drive-in.
Actually, the drive-in that was located across from the College was the Island Drive-in, which was demolished in 1998. The Alameda Auto Movies was located where the college is now, but was demolished long before the Island Drive-in was.
As stated above, this Theatre disappeared almost overnight. I’d been there several times, and was suprised to find it gone. In standard Century Theatres fashion, the site was razed and abandoned, remaining undeveloped since it’s demolition. Only the parking lots and entrance roads remain, along with a cyclone fence encircling the property.
Located less than 1 mile from the former Coliseum Drive-in, also long gone.
Was inside this place a few months ago, and found that the floors had been leveled, with all seating removed. The balcony has been blocked off with cyclone fencing, and appears to be in poor shape.
Saw Oliver Stone’s “JFK” in this theatre many years ago.
This theater sat vacant for almost 2 years prior to demolition. It was completely demolished and the land was cleared within a week. A quickly-developed upscale shopping center now sits on the site. Nothing remains of the original structure.
This Drive-in was operated by the Enea Brothers, who owned numerous Drive-ins and movie houses throughout the Bay Area. If you’re driving around in Northern California, and you see the Enea name on a shopping center or complex, you can bet that the site once housed a theatre or Drive-in.
Like many California Drive-ins, this theatre shared the lot with another Drive-in, the Buena Park, before merging operations as the Buena Park Lincoln. Demolished in 1996, the land was redeveloped for residential use.
Thkis Drive-in was actually a 4-screen during operation. Since its reinvention as a full-time swap meet, the ramps were leveled, and 3 of the screens were demolished. The remaining screen is dark, and is likely to remain so.
The Centinela, operated by Pacific Theatres, closed in 1993 and sat vacant for several years. It was used for a location shoot in the 1995 film “Heat”, and was unceremoniously demolished in 1998. The former site is now home to an apartment complex. Nothing remains of this Drive-in.
The Burlingame Drive-in has been completeley demolished, and the land has been regraded for construction. Nothing remains except the signature Century Theatres palm trees and a former marquee facing the 101 freeway which invites you to live, eat, and shop in Burlingame.
This Drive-in was closed in 1993 and demolished in 1999. The former site is now home to apartments. The Centinela was a location for many firms, including “Heat” with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.
Sweet!
Many congratulations! Ordered my copy today, can’t wait to receive it.
The Nimitz was featured as a background in the Dragstrip scenes in “American Graphitti 2”.
A fantasic theatre in a great location, it was a regular haunt by myself and my sisters during our childhood. The lines would often pour out of the small lobby into the parking lot. In later years, a second entrance and small concession was added on the west side of the building. When the adjacent San Ramon Auto Movies was twinned, the second screen projection was shot out of the back of the indoor. I always prefeered this theatre to the GC location across the street. While it was older and a bit more run-down, it had a lot more charm.
In regards to Brett’s question, the Burlingame 4 was part of the Syufy/Century chain, but unlike most of its other SF Bay Area locations, Syufy didn’t own the land that the theatre occupied.
The Sunrise Drive In has closed permanently, and is slated for demolition. Local civic leaders are revoking the commercial use permit to operate a Drive-in at this site, due to the owner’s inability to conform to safety codes for the property and structures. This closure, soon to be followed by the closure of the Sacramento 6 Drive-in, marks the end of operational Drive-ins in the Sacramento Area. R.I.P., Sunrise Drive-in.
Actually, the drive-in that was located across from the College was the Island Drive-in, which was demolished in 1998. The Alameda Auto Movies was located where the college is now, but was demolished long before the Island Drive-in was.
As of December 2003, this Theatre remains vacant and abandoned.
I drove by The Bal today, and it appears to be open. The marquee advertised a film, “Heroes of the Bible”.
As stated above, this Theatre disappeared almost overnight. I’d been there several times, and was suprised to find it gone. In standard Century Theatres fashion, the site was razed and abandoned, remaining undeveloped since it’s demolition. Only the parking lots and entrance roads remain, along with a cyclone fence encircling the property.
Located less than 1 mile from the former Coliseum Drive-in, also long gone.
I have a clear view of this dome from my office window…it will be missed.
Located at 29000 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward CA.
Was inside this place a few months ago, and found that the floors had been leveled, with all seating removed. The balcony has been blocked off with cyclone fencing, and appears to be in poor shape.
Saw Oliver Stone’s “JFK” in this theatre many years ago.
This theater sat vacant for almost 2 years prior to demolition. It was completely demolished and the land was cleared within a week. A quickly-developed upscale shopping center now sits on the site. Nothing remains of the original structure.
Opened in 1953, and closed in August of 1989. The site was demolished, but as of Summer 2003, the ticket booths and projection building still sand.
This Drive-in was operated by the Enea Brothers, who owned numerous Drive-ins and movie houses throughout the Bay Area. If you’re driving around in Northern California, and you see the Enea name on a shopping center or complex, you can bet that the site once housed a theatre or Drive-in.
Like many California Drive-ins, this theatre shared the lot with another Drive-in, the Buena Park, before merging operations as the Buena Park Lincoln. Demolished in 1996, the land was redeveloped for residential use.
Thkis Drive-in was actually a 4-screen during operation. Since its reinvention as a full-time swap meet, the ramps were leveled, and 3 of the screens were demolished. The remaining screen is dark, and is likely to remain so.
The Centinela, operated by Pacific Theatres, closed in 1993 and sat vacant for several years. It was used for a location shoot in the 1995 film “Heat”, and was unceremoniously demolished in 1998. The former site is now home to an apartment complex. Nothing remains of this Drive-in.
The Burlingame Drive-in has been completeley demolished, and the land has been regraded for construction. Nothing remains except the signature Century Theatres palm trees and a former marquee facing the 101 freeway which invites you to live, eat, and shop in Burlingame.
This Drive-in was closed in 1993 and demolished in 1999. The former site is now home to apartments. The Centinela was a location for many firms, including “Heat” with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino.
Now operating (for the time being, anyway) as an art film house.
Sadly, the Burlingame has been demolished.