Plantation Drive-In
6214 Grand Avenue,
Des Moines,
IA
50312
6214 Grand Avenue,
Des Moines,
IA
50312
1 person
favorited this theater
The Plantation Drive-In opened on July 2, 1965 with Charlton Heston in “Major Dundee” & Pat Boone in “Never Put It in Writing”. It had a car capacity of 950. The drive-in lasted until 1986 when it closed. It has been demolished and is now Sands Volley Ball Club.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 13 comments)
As of June 2009, the marquee at the Grand Avenue entrance (or at least the bottom portion of the marquee) is still standing – with Sands Volleyball Club signage. The box office is still standing as well, although the glass has been replaced or covered over with plywood. The screen and it’s supporting steel structure are no longer there.
Here’s the text of an interesting article about the opening of the Plantation Drive-In from the August 16, 1965 issue of BoxOffice Magazine:
Plantation Drive-In Opens in Des Moines
From North Central Edition
DES MOINES – The 950-car Plantation Drive-In opened here recently boasting the largest screen in the Midwest-50x120 feet. The airer is operated by Richard Davis and Clay Rusk, owners of the Pioneer Drive-In here, and Bob Fridley, who operates the Capri and Varsity (Des Moines), the King (Ida Grove) and Capri (Lake City), all indoor theatres.
The all-season airer is equipped with 402 auto heaters and an air-conditioned concessions building. First-run films are scheduled through October. Jim Walker is manager. Rodney Davis is his assistant.
thanks Logan5 great extra history.
This opened on July 2nd, 1965. Ad uploaded in photo section.
Uploaded Goggle Earth view 1995. It looks like the projection booth is still being used.
Also 1967 aerial uploaded here.
Thanks rivest266 for 1967 aerial.
Looks like there is a soccer goal near the box office in the above photo?
Yes, there is a soccer goal near the box office. The Aliber Soccer Complex is next door.
Better grand opening ad:
Plantation Drive-In opening 02 Jul 1965, Fri The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa) Newspapers.com
Boxoffice, Feb. 9, 1970: “Richard L. Davis … recently leased to Robert Fridley Theatres two Des Moines indoor houses, Eastgate Cinema I and II, and the Plantation Drive-In.”