Senator Drive-In
501 S. Senator Highway,
Prescott,
AZ
86303
501 S. Senator Highway,
Prescott,
AZ
86303
1 person
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The Senator Drive-In opened in September 30 1950 with Yvonne De Carlo in “Black Bart” & Robert Young in “Adventure in Baltimore”. It was closed in 1986. The marquee stood for years after the theater closed, but despite much protesting, the theatre’s roadside sign was taken down in October 2008. It was restored and re-erected in December 2009. By 2023 only the outline of the marquee survived.
Contributed by
Ken McIntyre
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
September 30th, 1950 grand opening ad is on this page at View link
Uploaded the Grand Opening Ad and aerial view. It looks like another DI that could be reopened!!
Approx. location for this drive-in was south of 501 South Senator Highway. Most ramps are still up.
Please update address to:
501 South Senator Highway
Prescott, AZ 86303
There was another article today about the still-standing sign in The Daily Courier of Prescott. An excerpt:
(Jane) Orr and (fellow Class of 1963 alum Stephen) Rogers, along with some other loyal drive-in patrons, have worked to maintain the sign, complete with posting occasional messages on the marquee to commemorate holidays, anniversaries, and at least one marriage proposal. The sole message prohibition: nothing commercial or political.
This past week, Orr and Rogers posted a Valentine’s Day missive: “Senator Drive-In — We Still Love and Miss You.” A big red heart is on the far side.
The author of that article since told me that the Senator closed for good in 1986. She also said “early efforts to resurrect a theater didn’t go. Not deemed economical”. I still think it’s ripe for rebuilding, but what do I know?
The site might now be Prescott Christian Church?
Boxoffice, June 21, 1952: “J. W. Barton has sold his Senator Drive-In in Prescott to W. L. Weir”
Later operated by Theatre Operators, Inc (who also operated the Plaza West Cinemas and the Marina Theatres), and lastly by Wehrenberg Theatres.
By 1992, the drive-in had been totally demolished. A 2010 aerial shows the ramps and foundation of the projection booth/concession stand still present.
By 2013, it appears the entire area was resurfaced. As if someone had dumped a bunch of dirt on the property. That removed the ramps and foundations. Today, only the outline and the marquee remains.