U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In

523 Diane 29 Theater Road,
Gastonia, NC 28016

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Consolidated Theatres

Previous Names: U.S. 29 Drive-In

Nearby Theaters

U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In

One of several drive-in theatres in the greater Gastonia area, this was located just off US Route 29, to the West of the city and opposite the Gastonia Drive-In.

The U.S. 29 Drive-In opened on June 21, 1951 with John Wayne in “Operation Pacific”. It had a car capacity of 300 and one screen. A second screen was opened on June 20, 1956. Closed as the twin screen U.S. 29 Diane Drive-In in 1985.

Contributed by raymond

Recent comments (view all 18 comments)

GMNash
GMNash on March 28, 2011 at 10:18 pm

I think Consolidated operated this drive in for a period of time… definitely in the 80’s, and probably some of the 70’s. I remember the name from my Consolidated days.

Mike, wow, that reel…. I hope you didn’t leave it there.

TLSLOEWS
TLSLOEWS on March 30, 2011 at 1:06 pm

I bet its in his basement GM.What about it Mike?

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on March 30, 2011 at 1:21 pm

You know i have So many reels I hate to say it,but I think I left it,unless Bill the guy with me took it,he might have being an old Projectionist.that fireplace was Beautiful and in a DRIVE-in.It was a real fireplace too.

mustangmelatl
mustangmelatl on November 15, 2012 at 11:23 am

not sure anyone will see this, but here goes: where can I find photos of the Diane 29 back in the day? My parents worked/met there and are celebrating their 50th anniversary next year. I would like to find a nice photo to enhance and frame for them. thanks!

Drive-In 54
Drive-In 54 on November 15, 2012 at 12:35 pm

Check with the local library and historical societies in the town. Pictures of drive-in theatres are tuff to find. Also try the former owners.

jwmovies
jwmovies on December 26, 2012 at 10:39 am

Approx. address for this drive-in was 500 Diane 29 Theater Rd (State Rte. 1311).

Though very overgrown, most ramps are still there behind Food Lion.

Mike Rogers
Mike Rogers on October 2, 2013 at 12:21 pm

yep, but it is Gray NOW……..Chuck…..

rivest266
rivest266 on October 30, 2013 at 3:39 pm

Aerial (of poor quality) of the drive-in uploaded here.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on December 18, 2019 at 12:47 pm

The Nov. 3, 1951 Boxoffice ran a lengthy article about the unusual features of the “Dian 29 Drive-In,” which had opened “not long ago”. There was a wood-burning fireplace in the concession area “for atmospheric effect only,” since it also had modern heating. A fish pond sat between the first ramp and the screen tower, which was covered with asbestos shingle siding. The screen was 42x59 feet.

rivest266
rivest266 on January 19, 2020 at 12:39 pm

The Diane 29 Drive-In opened on June 21st, 1951 and the 2nd screen opened on June 20th, 1956, the first twin drive-in in the state. Grand opening ads posted. Diane 29 Drive-In in Gastonia openingDiane 29 Drive-In in Gastonia opening Wed, Jun 20, 1951 – Page 14 · The Gastonia Gazette (Gastonia, North Carolina) · Newspapers.com

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