Westgate Drive-In
8843 Veterans Memorial Boulevard,
Metairie,
LA
70003
8843 Veterans Memorial Boulevard,
Metairie,
LA
70003
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Joy Houck opened the Westgate Drive In on April 29, 1965, with what was claimed as “the world’s largest drive-in screen” and a 2000-car capacity. The Westgate closed after a tornado damaged the screen and buildings on February 12, 1978. It became a go-kart track and a Christmas tree lot until the site was razed in late 1983 to begin construction on the shopping center.
The April 6, 1966 issue of Motion Picture Exhibitor, AKA the 1966 Theatre Catalog, had a full page on the Westgate. The photos have already been uploaded, and here’s some of the text:
The new 2,000 car Westgate Drive-In, a show place for drive-in entertainment in New Orleans, boasts a 135 ft. wide screen, distinctive sign, and six-lane boxoffice which allows easy traffic flow and spacious drives leading to well lighted lamp entrances. …
Illuminated aisles show the way to the impressive concession area, which uses colorful formica counters, wood paneling and wrought iron railings to create an attractive, French quarter mood.
Ballantyne’s Ed Nelson drew plans for the Westgate for Mrs. Stella Landaiche, owner. Local contractor was James Hoffa.