Sunset Drive-In

1663 US-191,
Vernal, UT 84078

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Additional Info

Previous Names: Starlight Drive-In

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Sunset Drive In

This is Utah’s oldest drive-in and was originally knows as the Starlight Drive-In when it opened April 21, 1950, with a capacity for 300 cars. It originally had a wooden screen that was destroyed by fire on April 17, 1957. After the fire new ownership constructed a new steel framed screen and renamed the drive-in to the Sunset Drive-In, re-opening on August 16, 1957 with a capacity for 400 cars. It was open seasonally, Memorial Day through Labor Day on weekends only. Audio was provided through FM radio. It screened double features.

On July 5, 2013 a deep-fat fire destroyed the concession building. This closed the theatre down and it never reopened.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

Recent comments (view all 5 comments)

kpdennis
kpdennis on May 4, 2009 at 11:30 pm

The Sunset Drive-In in July 1998:
View link

jwmovies
jwmovies on February 10, 2019 at 2:18 am

The address for this theater is 1663 W. Highway 40, Vernal UT 84078 per Yelp. The address above is across the highway at what used to be a Chinese restaurant next to Super 8.

Please update.

Kenmore
Kenmore on February 10, 2019 at 6:11 am

For Google Maps, the address 1663 US-191, Vernal UT works far better.

The drive-in has been demolished, so only the outline, ramps, and entrance remain.

MichaelKilgore
MichaelKilgore on January 16, 2020 at 7:48 pm

Boxoffice, May 11, 1957: “VERNAL, UTAH – A short circuit in the wiring was blamed for a fire that destroyed the screen at the Starlite Drive-in west of town. Firemen were called at 11:45 p.m. and fought the raging fire, fanned by a high wind, until 2:30 a.m. Flames leaped 100 feet into the air until the 60-foot screen toppled over. Damage was estimated in the region of $1,200, part of which was covered by insurance. The drive-in is operated by Deward and Alson Shiner. They estimated that the theatre would be back in operation about June 1.”

dansdriveintheater
dansdriveintheater on February 10, 2021 at 11:39 am

The screen is sadly now gone along with the rest of the theater.

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