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Voy 61 Drive-In combats streaming competition with nostalgia

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 19:31 GMT by ABC Kcrg 9
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Voy‑61 Drive‑In Re‑ignites Nostalgia to Beat the Streaming Surge

September 7, 2025 – Southport, Iowa

In an era where on‑demand streaming has made the world’s cinema collections available at the tap of a screen, a local relic is proving that the magic of a shared, out‑of‑the‑car movie‑night can still win hearts. The Voy‑61 Drive‑In—located on the edge of downtown Southport—has quietly become a summer hotspot for families, couples, and the occasional teenage gang, all drawn by the promise of an “old‑school” movie experience that streaming services simply can’t duplicate.

A Vision Built on Memories

The story behind Voy‑61 begins with former film‑industry executive Mark Thompson, who grew up in a single‑screen theater that shuttered when the first Netflix binge‑watching craze hit the market. “I learned early that the real joy of movies comes from sharing them in a communal setting,” Thompson said in an interview on KCRG-TV. “When my friends started streaming, I was looking for a way to bring people back together.”

After years of searching, Thompson purchased the abandoned drive‑in that had been a fixture of Southport since the 1950s. The venue, once called Pioneer Drive‑In, was re‑branded as Voy‑61 in honor of the classic film “The Adventures of Captain Voy”—a nod to both the past and the forward‑thinking spirit of the new venture.

“We’re not just showing old movies,” Thompson explains. “We’re re‑creating a cultural moment: the 30‑minute pause between the film and the live announcement, the smell of popcorn, the sound of the old projector humming. That’s a ritual you can’t replicate with a remote.”

The Programming Mix

Voy‑61’s weekly lineup blends nostalgia with modern appeal. Wednesdays feature “Retro Classics,” showcasing films like Casablanca (1942), The Wizard of Oz (1939), and Gone with the Wind (1939). Friday nights are reserved for “Modern Hits,” with blockbusters such as Avengers: Endgame (2019) and Spider‑Man: No Way Home (2021). And every Sunday, the drive‑in turns into a “Family‑Friendly Film Night” where cartoons and animated features from the 1970s through the 2000s take center stage.

The drive‑in also offers themed nights that capitalize on pop‑culture trends. In early September, the venue held a “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” viewing, complete with a cost‑effective replica of the Death Star built by local artists. The event drew over 80 cars, and many attendees praised the “unique blend of fan service and authentic cinema experience.”

“Watching Star Wars with a line of cars under the stars felt like stepping back into the old Disney theme parks,” said 28‑year‑old local resident, Elena Martinez. “It’s not just the movie—it’s the whole atmosphere.”

A Community Hub

Beyond the screen, Voy‑61 has become a catalyst for local business. Partnering with the Southport Food Truck Association, the drive‑in features a rotating lineup of trucks that offer everything from gourmet burgers to vegan tacos. The venue also partners with Brew City Ale House for a nightly “Beer Pairing” menu, where craft beers are selected to complement the film’s mood.

“We’re really trying to create a ‘mini‑town’ experience,” Thompson noted. “The drive‑in is just the start—our goal is to build a community hub that supports local entrepreneurs.”

The venue’s partnership with the Southport Chamber of Commerce has seen a spike in foot traffic to nearby shops, especially during holiday weekends. In a recent survey of patrons, 63% said they also visited a nearby boutique or café after the movie.

Overcoming the Streaming Threat

Streaming services have a clear advantage: convenience, variety, and instant gratification. Yet, the drive‑in’s success underscores a growing appetite for experiential entertainment. According to a 2024 market report cited by KCRG, 34% of U.S. adults aged 18‑34 seek “shared cultural experiences” in the wake of prolonged social isolation caused by the pandemic.

“Streaming is still the dominant force,” Thompson admits, “but it can’t compete with a real, physical experience that invites families and friends to step away from their screens and step into a shared memory.”

The drive‑in’s unique appeal is also bolstered by its accessibility. With a simple parking and ticket system—paid by mobile app or at the gate—Voy‑61 has maintained a steady growth of 22% in patronage over the past year. Additionally, the venue uses a state‑of‑the‑art audio system that allows drivers to enjoy high‑quality sound without a costly head‑set, a feature that many streaming‑only consumers have found frustrating.

Looking Ahead

As the summer draws to a close, Voy‑61 is already planning for the upcoming holiday season. Thompson is testing a “Christmas Movie Marathon” that will feature It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone back‑to‑back, complete with a Santa‑themed food truck and holiday music. The venue is also exploring a partnership with the local school district to host a “Back‑to‑School Cinema” program aimed at fostering community involvement among students.

“We want to keep the drive‑in relevant for the next decade,” Thompson says. “If we can stay true to the nostalgic roots while embracing modern technology and community collaboration, I believe we’ll continue to thrive—even as streaming grows.”

Bottom Line

The Voy‑61 Drive‑In demonstrates that the lure of a communal movie‑night—complete with nostalgic cues, community partnerships, and a touch of local flair—remains potent enough to stand toe‑to‑toe with the convenience of streaming services. In a world where we can stream any film at any time, it turns out that the experience of watching a movie from your car, surrounded by the hum of the projector and the scent of popcorn, still offers something uniquely valuable: a shared memory that transcends screens and turns ordinary evenings into timeless events.