Midwest Theater announces closure of Skyview Drive-In

The Friends of the Midwest Theater Board of Directors voted to discontinue operations at the Skyview Drive-In at its January board meeting. The drive-in had operated for four years, according to a press release. 

In March 2020, during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, theaters were shut down. The Friends of the Midwest Theater responded to the community’s need for safely gathering by opening the first SkyView Drive-In at the Legacy of the Plains. That same summer the SkyView Drive-In at the Western Nebraska Regional Airport was implemented. With the help of several local businesses and community members, the drive-in became a favorite destination for not only local residents but also for visitors from around the region looking for a way to bring normalcy to life during the pandemic. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, the increasing operating costs and declining ticket sales at the drive-in required the Board of Directors to make this difficult decision to close the SkyView Drive-In, according to the press release.

With post-pandemic life returning to normal and the refurbishment and repair of the historic Midwest Theater marquee, a resurgence of attendance and interest in the Midwest Theater has returned. In the press release, Midwest Theater Executive Director Tina Worthman said board members and staff encourage those who enjoyed the SkyView Drive-In to visit the Midwest Theater.

“We will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to provide family-friendly outdoor movie entertainment during the summer months.”

The Midwest Theater Board of Directors thanked those who made the Midwest SkyView Drive-In Theater possible for their support: the Shane & Annette Aulick Family, StorAul, Western Nebraska Regional Airport, KNEB, R&C Crane Service, Scottsbluff Landscaping, DynaTech Electric, MC Schaff Companies, Gering Valley Plumbing & Heating, The Steel Grill/Weborg 21, City of Scottsbluff, Infinity Construction, Superior Construction, Sandberg Implement, Rusch General Construction, VanPelt Fencing, H&H Ventures, Viaero Wireless, The Pumpkin Patch at BE Farm, Ryans Welding, Nebraska Arts Council, Nebraska Cultural Endowment, Humanities Nebraska, National Endowment for the Humanities, numerous volunteers, staff and board members of the Friends of the Midwest Theater.