SANTEE, Calif. — After 65 years of providing movies and memories to the community of Santee, the beloved Santee Drive-in Theatre will air its final films on Dec. 31.
In a post to social media, owners of the Santee Drive-in Theatre said a loss of customers, higher operation costs and competition with the movie streaming landscape forced the adored theater to close for good.
“We want to thank the Santee community for many years of support and ask for your understanding of our family’s decision. We hope you will come visit us one last time!,” the Facebook post said.
In Sept., CBS 8 reported that Los Angeles developer North Palisade Partners said they want to replace the theater with a nearly 300,000-square-foot building that would be used for warehousing and distribution.
This will leave the San Diego region with only one drive-in movie theater and swap meet in the South Bay near Imperial Beach.
The Santee Drive-in opened in 1958 and has become an iconic San Diego County landmark over the course of more than six decades.
The property has been owned by five siblings since its founder died. Dusty Boyd, one of the lot's five owners, told CBS 8 in Sept. that he’s gutted about the closure.
"I'm heartbroken,” he said. “I'm looking at 4 different properties in Lakeside and Santee. I'm hoping the county can work with me on this. I put a smile on my face, but my heart breaks. I wish I could keep it open.”
For showtimes and to plan for your final visit to the Santee Drive-in, click here.
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