Rancho Drive-In

6501 W. Northern Avenue,
Glendale, AZ 85301

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MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on February 2, 2026 at 2:32 pm

Boxoffice, May 16, 1953: “GLENDALE, ARIZ. - The 900-car Rancho Drive-In, opened here recently as the 39th Harry L. Nace theatre in Arizona. The airer will be managed by L. R. Eaglin, manager of the Glen and El Ray theatres. Simplex projection is being used.”

Kenmore
Kenmore on May 16, 2022 at 12:12 pm

The ticket booth was apparently on the SW corner of the property. It appears that the entrance was on Grand Avenue which is south of the drive-in.

The drive-in was still intact in 1962, though clearly closed. By 1964, it was demolished with only the ramps remaining. By 1972, all traces of the ramps were eliminated as well. Which is unusual given that no structure was built on the property. Looks like the area was plowed, but today it is just an open, empty field.

Wiped clean by the wrath of God for its sins apparently.

davidcoppock
davidcoppock on May 16, 2022 at 9:56 am

Opened on 24th April 1953 with “The clown”, “Last of the Comanches” and “North of the great divide”.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 16, 2022 at 9:07 am

Gang Fight front page Rancho Drive-In in Glendale gang fightRancho Drive-In in Glendale gang fight 20 Jul 1959, Mon Arizona Republic (Phoenix, Arizona) Newspapers.com

rivest266
rivest266 on November 14, 2015 at 3:49 pm

Gang fight of 1959

http://azcentral.newspapers.com/clip/3627869/rancho_drivein_gang_fight/

rivest266
rivest266 on November 14, 2015 at 3:46 pm

April 24th, 1953 grand opening ad in photo section.