Nearly five months after announcing its closure, owners of the Hi-Way Drive-In Theater in Santa Maria said Friday they are preparing to reopen in time for an upcoming Metallica concert.
On March 17, drive-in theater employees said they were going to close the establishment located at 3170 Santa Maria Way for "the safety of customers and workers," laying off 75 employees.
"With the help and cooperation of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, we have taken certain measures to mitigate the virus as much as we can," said Bob Gran Jr., vice president of operations for Cal-Gran Theatres.
Event organizers say the Metallica concert is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The price per car is $115, which includes six people in the car or the number of seat belts inside the vehicle. The ticket also includes four free downloads per car of Metallica's new album.
Masks will be mandatory to enter, but guests can remove their masks once they park their vehicles. If attendees purchase items from the snack bar or go to the restrooms, they must wear masks. People found violating the rules will be asked to leave, according to owners.
The drive-in theater is also hiring new employees and training them to ensure the safety of all guests and workers.
Business owners say community members can expect to see family-friendly films — such as "The Goonies" or "Gremlins" — the week after the Metallica concert at the drive-in theater.
To purchase tickets for the Metallica concert or to read the drive-in theater's safety policies due to COVID-19, visit their website here.
