Starlite Drive-In
2304 N. 7th Avenue,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
2304 N. 7th Avenue,
Bozeman,
MT
59715
2 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Excellence Theatres, Theatre Operators, Inc,
Nearby Theaters
The Starlite-Drive-In was opened in 1950 with a 300 car capacity. It was operated by Theatre Operators Inc. initially and followed by Excellence Theatres. The ozoner closed in the early-1990’s.
A ‘new’ Starlite Drive-In located on River Road opened on July 24, 2020 and has its own page on Cinema Treasures.
Contributed by
Chuck
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/henk/37904523145/in/photostream/ has 3 photos of this DI, and it states that it was on Highway 191 but I have been up and down that road on Google Maps and Historic Aerials Topographical included and I cannot find it.
Found It!
The drive-in was located on the north side of Bozeman, the address is 2304 N. 7th Ave, Bozeman, MT. This is confirmed by a 1988 topography map and the mountains in the background match the photos shown of the drive-in.
Today, Bridger Park Shopping Mall or Strip Mall sits on the property with no traces of the drive-in remaining.
https://tinyurl.com/yaaa4roe
It probably opened in 1950. The Nov. 12, 1949 issue of BoxOffice reported: “BOZEMAN, MONT. – Construction of the drive-in theatre being erected on Route 10 west of here has been stopped for the winter. A building to house the projection booth, the screen tower and a fence are finished.”
The top part of the old Starlite sign is “on display” in front of Media Station Design Works in Bozeman, according to a note posted by the local radio station. I put that in quotes because the photo with the story showed the sign fragments resting in the grass supported only by leaning against a building, which I would characterize as merely “visible” rather than on display. Anyway, some moron stole the “lite” part, but the cops later found it. A happy ending.
Boxoffice, Feb. 9, 1952: “Joe English sold his three theatres and a drive-in at Bozeman, Mont., to Ed Pegrum, veteran showman of the Intermountain area.”
Reopening with original signage Friday July 24, 2020 at 6465 River Rd. Article and new website below.
https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/coronavirus/bozemans-iconic-starlite-drive-in-theatre-makes-its-return/article_5250e390-243c-5a7a-bae0-2564b86cf345.html?fbclid=IwAR2ew5-IDoOmSS4SUGoJuLW69hBf2dm6m-zNo6q53blN13p91xZyS9PbFww
https://www.starlitedriveinmontana.com/