Hillsdale goes retro: SAB to host drive-in movie

Home News Hillsdale goes retro: SAB to host drive-in movie
Hillsdale goes retro: SAB to host drive-in movie
SAB will host their first drive-in Friday. Courtesy | Collegian

The Student Activities Board will welcome students to a new event this Friday: a drive-in movie night. The evening will begin at 8 p.m. in the Roche Sports Complex parking lot.

“Think truck beds, popcorn, and a spooky movie,” said Small Events Coordinator Claire Lupini, a senior.  

Viewers can choose to watch from their cars or sit out in lawn chairs. A short cartoon reel will play at 8 p.m. before the movie “Hocus Pocus” begins at 8:30 p.m. 

According to Lupini, the reel will have many classic cartoons, such as “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” and modern songs like “Monster Mash.” There will be many spaces in the parking lot for students to park their cars as well as room for those without cars to sit and watch. SAB will provide classic concessions such as candy, chips, and soda.

“Students should bring a good group of friends, a blanket in case it’s chilly, and an appetite for snacks,” Lupini said. 

SAB was inspired to put on the event following the recent resurgence in popularity of the classic drive-in movie. The team hopes the event will offer students a COVID-19-friendly way to enjoy time with each other.

“After COVID-19 hit, drive-ins became popular because they’re a safe and fun way to enjoy time with friends and be entertained,” Lupini said.

Both Lupini and Zane Mabry, director of student activities, said campus could see more drive-in events if Friday is a success. While this weekend’s event is Halloween-oriented, Mabry said there’s a potential to have more holiday-oriented specials later in the year.

“If this one goes well and people enjoy it, then we can definitely bring it back.” Mabry said.

Mabry encourages students to stop by for a break from homework and to get into the spirit of Halloween.

“It’s going to be a fun movie and a unique event, and it’s something we don’t really have a lot of access to here,” Mabry said, noting that Hillsdale doesn’t have a drive-in theatre.

Lupini concurred. 

“It’ll be different than anything students can experience in Hillsdale,” she said. “Seize this opportunity.”