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Summer Drive-In at the USA Hockey Arena

Metro Detroit Blogger: Rachel Dean – Redesigning Happiness

On Friday night, my husband and I went to a drive-in movie theater. I think it’s been over 25 years since I’ve been to a drive-in movie. Many of you may remember going to drive-ins when you were younger, especially in you grew up in the 80’s like me! Well, there are still some drive-in theaters located in the Metro Detroit area, even as close as Plymouth, MI

Summer Drive-In is located at the USA Hockey Arena on Beck Road near 5 Mile in Plymouth. For one price, your ticket includes two movies. These double feature movies are offered every night during the summer. You can find the movie line-up on their website. There are three different movies playing on three screens at one time beginning at 9:30 pm each night. The three movie screens are located in separate parking lots at the arena. They are well-spaced apart so that one movie doesn’t interfere with the other.

The gates open each night at 7:30 pm. My husband and I arrived around 7:20 and there was already a line for parking. Arriving early will get you a place in line, but gates do not open before 7:30 pm. After finding your parking place for the movie, you can have dinner at CJ’s Brewing Company which is located within walking distance at the hockey arena. Many people had dinner at the restaurant, while others were involved in activities such as visiting with friends and family, playing games cards, board games, and catch.

Dave and I had dinner had CJ’s Brewing Company. The specialties at the restaurant include pizza and beer, although there are plenty other offers. We decided to start with an appetizer that was sure to please. We had the soft pretzels and beer cheese, which is a new item not featured on their menu.

For our main dishes, Dave had the Italian Melt sandwich and fries and I had the Michigan Cherry Salad. We both enjoyed our meals, but we decided that next time we would try the pizza. Plenty of people were eating it and it looked delicious!

CJ’s dessert menu pleased me because of the variety of choices and the prices. Dave was too full to have dessert so I managed to squeeze in a little something for my sweet tooth. If you go to CJ’s, I highly recommend the warm chocolate chip cookies (can be served with ice cream). I loved that I could purchase just one!

After dinner, we had time to walk around the grounds to check out the happenings. People were definitely enjoying themselves in many different ways. Some people were enjoying food from CJ’s that was delivered by golf cart to their vehicles! Every vehicle is given a menu when you purchase your tickets. Just pick up your phone, call in your order, and wait for the arrival of the golf cart! So fun!! That maybe our plan next time!

People were also enjoying hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, beverages, and other snacks from the concession stand.

Four Tips for your drive in experience:    

1. Think about your options for viewing the movies. You can bring comfy chairs to sit near your vehicle, sit inside your vehicle, lay down in the back of your SUV, sit in your truck bed, and more.
2. Bring bug spray.
3. Bring some comforts like blankets and pillows.
4. Check out the dinner and movie package!

Venue Information:

Summer Drive-In location:
14900 Beck Road
Plymouth Township, MI 48170

Ticket Pricing:

  • Adults (ages 13 and up): $10
  • Kids (ages 4-12): $8
  • Kids 3 and under: FREE
  • Students (with ID Sunday through Thursday): $8
  • Dinner and movie package $18 
Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.