Sunset Drive-In
1801 Samuelson Road,
Rockford,
IL
61109
1801 Samuelson Road,
Rockford,
IL
61109
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Additional Info
Previous Names: Lin's Air Drive-In
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The Sunset Drive-In was one of three in Rockford (in addition to the Belford Drive-In and Robin Drive-In). All three date to at least the 1950’s, if not earlier. This was open as the Lin’s Air Drive-In in 1955. The single-screen drive-in, off Samuelson Road, was fairly good-sized, and could accommodate 700 cars. It was later renamed Sunset Drive-In and showed pornographic films towards the end.
Long ago closed, much of the drive-in has been demolished, but parts of it, like the concession stand and ticket booths, still stand, though ruined (by nature and vandals), with the property having become heavily overgrown.
Contributed by
Bryan
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Recent comments (view all 14 comments)
project killed…
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This opened as Lin’s Air Drive-In on May 30th, 1950 and closed in 1970. It reopened in June 1971 as Sunset Drive-In. I have uploaded an aerial and both grand opening ads.
After looking at the aerial view, I can see the concern of the neighbors about the location. Must of DI’s built back in day were out in the county with no neighbors that close. I would think that they would have been better off locating the DI in a more secluded location, instead of opening this one back up.
Too many pretentious prix out there. Sure you show a lot of gore and violence…but heaven forbid that there is a bare boobie! ….And people screwing on camera. HOLD THE PHONES!!! Sex is how we got here folks. Adult films just celebrate it. Bring back the Sunset Drive in with the adult films. Watch as the summer heats up!
I remember seeing “The Buddy Holly Story” here in 1978. It was a fun show and it was well attended. Had no idea at the time that drive ins were winding down.
To let u all know we know the issues with the neighbors and have been in touch with the owners as to reopening no porn but a full fledge drive in again we have a facebook page f interested in becoming involved.
I hope you can get this theater rebuilt and open again.
When this was Lin’s Air Drive-In, the place was called “The Passion Pit”. Actually, I think that “passion pit” could have described all of the drive-ins back then for those who were there on dates.
It’s not mentioned above, but the screen is still standing as well.
The Lin’s Air Drive-In most likely opened on May 30, 1950 with “The Man From Colorado” along with a few unnamed shorts. The Lin’s Air was later operated by L&M Management Theatres who also operated the nearby Robin at the time. It was renamed Sunset Outdoor Theatre in 1971, but later renamed Sunset Drive-In. Its format flipped to adult films in July 1983 and closed on October 20, 1985.