Want To Own Your Own Drive-In Movie Theater? Unadilla Drive-In Up For Sale

After ending its season at the end of August in 2021, the big question is, will the Unadilla Drive-in on Rt. 7, just outside of the Village of Unadilla, one of the few remaining drive-ins in all of New York State, be opening as usual in May? This question arises now that news that owner, the Wilson family, wants to sell its family business. This announcement was made on the Unadilla Drive-in Facebook page March 2 much to the dismay of many residents from all around the region who have enjoyed it, especially during the pandemic, when so many indoor events and entertainment venues were closed or canceled.

Below is the message posted...

I think the Wilson family did a great job during the pandemic offering more variety than ever before to area residents and getting creative with keeping it open by doing some things never been done before at that venue: like holding high school graduations; holding a car, truck, and motorcycle show and flea market event; and showing live concerts on the big screen of major music artists like Toby Keith with Alabama, Florida Georgia Line, Nelly, Chase Rice, and others.

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The good news is that the owners have received a great deal of positive feedback and interest from the community regarding keeping it open. Let's hope a new buyer steps forward to continue this long-lasting treasure of entertainment in our area that originally opened May 29 in 1956 with the first movies shown: “The McConnell Story” starring Alan Ladd and “Chief Crazy Horse” starring Victor Mature according to cinematreasures.org.

The drive-in was updated sometime in the 2010’s with a new screen, a digital projector system, a renovated snack bar and bathrooms.