The death of America’s drive-in movie theaters isn’t due for a turnaround anytime soon thanks to increasingly convenient streaming and home video options, but that’s not discouraging some enterprising film lovers in Tennessee. They’re set to build a massive drive-in in Nashville, with a twist—it’ll be indoors.
August Moon
The August Moon Drive-In will be something akin to the Cowboys Stadium of vehicular moviegoing, with a 40,000-square-foot air-supported dome offering an enclosed, weatherproof environment. The idea, according to a recent press release, is to replicate “that perfect summer night at sunset” by projecting stars, fireflies, and other visuals onto the roof. Visitors will experience films projected onto what’s being billed as the largest non-IMAX screen in the country. In addition to conventional seating, they’ll also be able to spread out on provided picnic sheets or sit in classic cars already parked inside the facility.
Investors also plan on offering live music, “interactive” movie previews with stage actors on the premises, and movie curation based on attendee voting. Like the road attractions of the 20th century, each screening is expected to provide up to three hours of entertainment.
The effort is being overseen by Michael Counts, a designer of immersive experience entertainment (The Walking Dead Experience). With admission ranging from $8 to $20, the August Moon is scheduled to open near Nissan Stadium in the second quarter of 2018.