State Twin Drive-In

50sSNIPES on August 19, 2023 at 9:22 am

Throughout much of the early-1980s, the State Twin Drive-In received too much trouble, as on September 1, 1984, the State Twin Drive-In became local headlines following major concerns over both large disturbances and crowd fights (mostly youths and teens) as reported by the Kansas City (KS) Police Department. Although it was not the crowd’s fault, it was actually radio station KYYS-FM (now KCKC-FM) announcing drive-in blowouts which a total of five different features were screened on the same day each Labor Day and Memorial Day, known as the “KY-102 Blowouts”. These incidents include injuries, one of which was a local 16-year-old boy who was injured in the State Twin Drive-In’s blowout.

Leroy Shaver, the manager of the State Twin Drive-In, said from 10 to 12 men provided security for each of the blowouts at his business, and spectators called the attacks “riots”. Its not just the State Twin Drive-In, but it was also the I-70 Drive-In and the nearby Boulevard Drive-In who also did host the blowouts, but it was the State Twin Drive-in that caused all the major riots and ruckus. Leroy also replied that most of his watchmen were not units for the KCKSPD or security officers but former drive-in employees “over 21 and wearing security T-shirts” were employed in business. He said such security forces relate to patrons better than units.

During one other blowout also being held at the State Twin, officials from the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office said that they had limited the role of off-duty officers at the blowouts after three deputies were assaulted with rocks and knives on a Memorial Day blowout also at the State Twin Drive-In. Undersheriff officer Tim Johnson said he directed deputy sheriff’s to do no more than guard money in the concession areas, most importantly the concession stand. He also added that in the past even when 10 off-duty officers worked each of the blowouts, as security had not been sufficient. As he replied, Mr. Shaver disagreed on how it can’t be sufficient, even Mike Costello, the general manager of KYYS-FM said that while his station promotes the events, it is not responsible for security.

The State Twin Drive-In closed for the final time on September 22, 1991 with “Livin' Large” and “Jungle Fever” at Screen 1 and “Freddy’s Dead” and “Terminator 2” at Screen 2. It was last operated by Wesley Neal who both operated the Boulevard and State Twin Drive-Ins in Kansas City (KS).

Kenmore on February 19, 2019 at 5:05 am

According to Google Maps, a more accurate address is 5033 State Avenue, Kansas City, KS.

The entrance road to the drive-in no longer exists and the current address points to a property that is not connected to the drive-in.

https://tinyurl.com/y4a3hrzz

davidcoppock on February 18, 2019 at 5:48 pm

Opened with on screen 1 with “dead heat on a merry-go-round”, “The last command” and “Cat Ballou” and on screen 2 with “A patch of blue”, “The singing nun” and “Never too late”.

rivest266 on May 6, 2018 at 4:11 pm

This opened on November 18th, 1966. Another ad posted.

jpr88 on September 27, 2012 at 12:40 pm

The State was built as a twin screen Drive in. It was nearly identical to the Twin, North Twin and South Twin. And similar to the I70. All of these theaters were operated by Mid America Cinemas.