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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Game II, Allen Theatres bringing drive-in movies back to town

Posted

(PUBLISHER’S NOTE: We learned at presstime that the Fort Union Drive-In in Las Vegas, New Mexico, originally planned to re-open May 15, but was halted by the governor’s office, which said it fell under the same health protection orders as an indoor movie theater. Both of the establishments mentioned below, because they serve food and snacks, are certified restaurants, which are tentatively slated to re-open with restrictions in early June. All that to say, what you read below is subject to change.)

If life can’t be like it was in 2019, maybe in at least one aspect, it can be like it was in 1959.

The unofficial start of summer is bringing to Las Cruces that iconic 1950s American summer activity: the drive-in movie.

Beginning June 3, and continuing through summer, Las Crucens can have a throwback experience watching a movie on a big screen, outdoors, from their own vehicle.

The drive-in fiesta begins Wednesday, June 3, and Thursday, June 4, in the parking lot of the Game II restaurant at 4131 Northrise Drive.

Game II proprietor Marci Dickerson had planned to host a drive-in movie event earlier in May, but was prevented by the state’s health protection order.

“We just wanted to do something different and give people a chance to get out and do something,” Dickerson said. “So, we’re going to do our thing for a couple of nights, and then Allen Theatres is going to start doing drive-ins.”

Carside food service from the Game II will also be available.

Beginning Friday, June 5, and continuing nightly, movie-goers can drive up to their reserved spot at the back parking lot of Allen Theatres’ Video 4 at 1005 E. El Paseo Road.

The parking spots areas will be treated as “auditoriums,” with a blank space between each car, said Russell Allen of Allen Theatres.

“It’ll be just like the way you purchase tickets for the regular movie, only you’re picking a parking spot instead of a seat,” Allen said.

Popcorn and other goodies will be available from servers in the parking lot.

“You can order online, so it’s completely touchless,” Allen said, adding his staff will be wearing clear face shields instead of masks. “That way you can see them smile.”

As of this writing, the movie selections had not been made, but Allen said they would likely go with older classics. Audio for the movies will be transmitted through FM radio signals.

“We know there’s a lot of ways people can watch movies these days, but we also know people still really enjoy going out to the movies, and this is one way we could do it,” Allen said. And for those who are staying home for their movie, but miss the movie popcorn, Allen Theatres’ Cineport 10 at the Mesilla Valley Mall is selling popcorn every Friday and Saturday from 1-7 p.m.

Once the state gives the go-ahead for indoor movie attendance, Allen Theatres is prepared.

“We bought foggers to disinfect every auditorium,” Allen said. “We’ll completely disinfect every auditorium between every show.”

There will be another amenity waiting for customers when they return to indoor movies at the Telshor 12: adult beverages.

“We’re officially a restaurant, with the same certification as a restaurant, and we’ve got our liquor license,” Allen said.

The restaurant and liquor license are part of a larger plan Allen Theatres has to expand the Telshor 12 with an entertainment center, including video games and a bowling alley. Plans originally called for breaking ground on the entertainment center in May, but that has been delayed indefinitely, Allen said.

For information about events at the Game II, call 575-373-4263, or visit www.thegamebarandgrill.com.

For information about events at the Video 4, call 575-523-4837, or visit www.allentheatresinc.com.


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