Sky-View Drive-In
16601 FM 88,
Weslaco,
TX
78543
16601 FM 88,
Weslaco,
TX
78543
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Addition (sorry - forgot to add):
Its opening film - “Apartment for Peggy”
For the 1956 season, the Archers replaced the original tower with a widescreen aspect ratio formatted tower to present CinemaScope film titles.
Summery:
Establishment and Growth Opening: Built in 1948 and opened on February 19, 1949, by the Archer Theater Corp.
Capacity: While advertised for 400 cars, it likely accommodated closer to 250.
Local Context: It emerged during a population boom in Elsa, competing with three local indoor “hardtop” cinemas, including the Roxy and Tropics theatres.
Ownership and Operations Expansion: The Archer family expanded their footprint by opening the Wes-Mer Drive-In in 1950.
The Benitez Era: In 1957, management shifted to Miguel Benitez, Jr., a prominent regional theater operator. Under his leadership, the venue screened both English and Spanish-language films to serve the local community.
Decline and Legacy The “Shakeout”: Like many theaters of the time, the Sky-View struggled as television became a primary source of home entertainment.
Closure: The theater operated until at least 1964 before closing permanently.
Current Status: The site has been demolished and redeveloped. Interestingly, while it was historically associated with Elsa, modern mapping lists the location under Weslaco, Texas.
1955 aerial posted.
A 1970 aerial shows the drive-in intact, but looking worse for wear. So, it was probably closed by that point. By 1983, it was demolished.
Today, the Sunset Drive Thru gas station sits on the property. There is no trace of the drive-in remaining.