Are you eager to get out of the house? Walmart has the perfect solution for you this fall. The popular 1950s outdoor cinema trend is making a brief comeback in exclusive communities across the country.
The massive corporation has begun converting 160 of its parking lots into drive-in theaters in 26 states. The showings are free to the public, as long as tickets are redeemed in advance.
“We recognize the challenges our customers and their families have faced over the last few months, and we wanted to create an experience where they could come together safely to create new memories. The Walmart Drive-in is one small way we’re supporting the communities we serve,” Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s chief customer officer, said in a statement.
Outdoor cinemas are a safe alternative for entertainment during the pandemic. All cars must be parked far apart from one another to honor social distancing guidelines and no contact is required. The free film is an enjoyable event to attend with a lover, friend or family members.
All age groups can partake in the fun. Although, most millennials are unaccustomed to drive-in theaters or have never gotten the opportunity to experience one — me included. Now is our chance! That is if you are willing to take a four-hour commute to Tampa, which is the closest city from Tallahassee offering the Walmart flicks.
I was a little disappointed to discover that Walmart doesn’t consider Tallahassee a prime market for outdoor movie theaters, considering it is the capital of Florida. Among FAMU and FSU campuses there are nearly 50,000 students enrolled between the institutions.
This community could have certainly used a unique feature to enhance residents’ commonplace. It’s beginning to get boring watching movies on the couch at home every weekend. So let’s not get too complacent and explore new ways of amusement.
Who’s ready to grab their popcorn, mask and take a trip? Locations, movie titles and free tickets can be requested on Walmart’s website.
“I definitely would like to experience watching a movie at a drive-in theater. I would have no issue traveling a four-hour distance to engage in some fun. I think it would be worth the drive,” Emmanuel Ichite, a Florida State University alum, said.
Several iconic and fan favorite films are featured for families to watch on the big screen. Inspiring stories like “Black Panther,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Space Jam,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Spider Man,” “The Karate Kid” and “Selena” are just some of the movies people can expect. The showings will run until the end of October.