Showtown USA Twin Drive-In
7700 Desiard Street,
Monroe,
LA
71203
7700 Desiard Street,
Monroe,
LA
71203
1 person
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Gulf International, Gulf States Theatres, Joy's Theaters Inc.
Previous Names: Eastgate Drive-In, Joy Drive-In
Nearby Theaters
Opened in 1947 as the Eastgate Drive-In. By 1955 it had been renamed Joy Drive-In operated by the Joy Theatres chain and was listed with a 500 car capacity.
In May 1970 it was twinned and became the Showtown USA Twin Drive-In. The drive-in could accommodate 600 cars. It was initially operated by Gulf States Theatres followed by Gulf International Cinemas. The drive-In closed in the mid to late-1980’s.
Contributed by
Stephen
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
The drive-in at this location is visible in an aerial photo from 1949, and on a topo map from 1947. The 1955 Film Daily Yearbook lists two drive-ins for Monroe, Louisiana, the Joy Drive-In and the Leo Drive-In. More research is needed to determine exactly which name this drive-in went under, during what years, and how early it opened.
Another drive-in on the southside of Monroe is visible in 1949 and 1956 aerial photos, and was located at the intersection of Jackson Street and Buckhorn Bend Road, in the northwest corner. This other drive-in was much more short-lived than the Showtown Drive-In, as it was not visible anymore in the 1969 aerial photos. Another drive-in, the Star, was located relatively nearby in West Monroe, across the river, and closed in the late 1960s when I-20 was built over it.
the ramps concession stand one of the screens still remain!
if you wanted to you could reopen it as a single screened. you could also reopen it as a twin again if you were willing to work for it.
just uploaded 2 different streetview pic of the ramps marquee concession stand and the remaining screen!
Opened as Joy Drive-In on July 7th, 1949. Ad posted.
2nd screen opened in April 1970 and renamed Showtown USA on May 12th, 1970. Ad posted.
As of December 2023, the drive-in remains in the same condition it has been for decades. One screen still stands, although it is being devoured by nature. The concession stand/projection booth is still present.
The used car dealership appears to be long closed. The building behind the concession stand/projection booth has probably been empty for at least 15 years.
Boxoffice, May 25, 1970: “The name of the Joey Drive-In at Monroe has been changed to Showtown USA Drive-In”