Senator Drive-In

501 S. Senator Highway,
Prescott, AZ 86303

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Kenmore
Kenmore on June 1, 2023 at 4:36 am

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.

50sSNIPES
50sSNIPES on June 1, 2023 at 2:40 am

Later operated by Theatre Operators, Inc (who also operated the Plaza West Cinemas and the Marina Theatres), and lastly by Wehrenberg Theatres.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on December 27, 2019 at 4:11 am

Boxoffice, June 21, 1952: “J. W. Barton has sold his Senator Drive-In in Prescott to W. L. Weir”

davidcoppock
davidcoppock on February 15, 2018 at 6:50 pm

The site might now be Prescott Christian Church?

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on February 15, 2018 at 5:54 pm

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?

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on February 12, 2018 at 6:05 pm

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.

NYozoner
NYozoner on January 12, 2015 at 3:40 am

Please update address to:

501 South Senator Highway
Prescott, AZ 86303

jwmovies
jwmovies on November 21, 2012 at 7:49 pm

Approx. location for this drive-in was south of 501 South Senator Highway. Most ramps are still up.

Drive-In 54
Drive-In 54 on February 4, 2012 at 5:15 pm

Uploaded the Grand Opening Ad and aerial view. It looks like another DI that could be reopened!!

rivest266
rivest266 on January 8, 2011 at 7:13 pm

September 30th, 1950 grand opening ad is on this page at View link

Rattre
Rattre on December 26, 2009 at 7:22 pm

On Friday, December 18, 2009 after an absence of just over a year, the restored sign was re-erected by a group of volunteers from Prescott.
Here’s a link to an article and video about the sign’s demolition:
View link
Here’s a link to the sign’s re-erection article and video:
View link