Drive-in movies make a comeback in Rockville Centre

The image of cars gathering in front of a huge screen has somehow become all too familiar, though drive-in movies have been relatively obsolete for decades. Classic films like “Grease,” and Disney Channel favorites like “Teen Beach Movie,” have made drive-ins recognizable to even those who have never experienced them. Pop culture has kept them alive long after their creation in New Mexico in 1915. However, as a result of Covid-19 and social distancing guidelines, Long Islanders can now experience the wonder of an auto cinema in real life.

A lot of businesses are acknowledging that people are getting tired of staying at home and watching Netflix all day. Dennison Silvio, President and CEO of Sportset Health and Fitness Club in Rockville Centre, recognized the lack of external entertainment opportunities available to Long Islanders amid a pandemic.

“This is something to do in a somewhat social setting,” Silvio said. “You’re in your car, so you’re social distancing.” He added, “We sacrifice parking spaces to keep the cars further apart.”

Even as more and more places continue to reopen for business on the Island, it’s crucial to make sure to continue to exercise the appropriate safety precautions. These drive-ins are offering people a contact-less way to have a night of family fun. To avoid any risk to its customers, Sportset isn’t selling snacks to moviegoers. However, they’ve teamed up with local restaurants George Martin, GM Burger Bar, and Grillfire to make a special drive-in menu. Food is available to be picked up at the restaurants before the show starts. Orders must be placed by 8 p.m. if needed for the movies.

Silvio wants people to know that Sportset is different from its competitors because it prioritizes the Rockville Centre community. Marleen Bello Maccone, a Rockville Centre resident and Sportset drive-in attendee, raved about her experience.

“We will likely remember the resurgence of the drive-in as another family-friendly silver lining to the pandemic,” Maccone said. “Sportset did an excellent job organizing. We will definitely return.”

NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Coliseum, has also recently started showing a drive-in movie in its parking lot every weekend. Whereas Sportset’s experience costs $20 per car, the Coliseum drive-in is $30 per car. The Sportset Parking Lot Cinema shows various movies from Thursday to Sunday and the movies have ranged from throwbacks like “The Breakfast Club” to family favorites like “Frozen 2.” Nassau Coliseum has chosen to stick to one movie per weekend. Movie snacks are available on the premises for an additional cost. You can purchase meals from a food truck on-site, and ice cream from a truck on-site as well, but you must practice social distancing on both of these lines. Both screenings have been consistently selling out before showtime.

Susan Nilsen-Jerome attended the Coliseum drive-in’s showing of “How to Train Your Dragon” this past week with her family. Despite the rain and other difficulties she faced, she thoroughly enjoyed her experience. When asked if she would recommend the drive-in, she answered affirmatively.

“It was our first time,” Nilsen-Jerome said. “Definitely will be better next time. More pillows and blankets to make the car more comfy. We ended up backing in and sitting in trunk. My only suggestion would be to have some grab and go options for food. Some pre-packed food/snacks, so the line moves quicker.”

This week, Sportset is showing the Pixar movie “Coco” on Thursday, June 11, Disney’s “Moana” on Friday, “Dirty Dancing” for the parents on Saturday, and the original “Mary Poppins” on Sunday. Illumination Entertainment’s “Sing!” featuring the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Tori Kelley, will be screening at the Coliseum.

Tickets tend to sell out quickly and can be purchased at sportsetrvc.com or

nycblive.com.