Teen’s viral petition for a drive-in movie theater

COVID-19 has closed all movie theaters, why not bring back the classic drive-in?

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – As another weekend in quarantine rolls around, many of us are probably a little bored being stuck at home.

What if we could have an entertaining night out all while social distancing?

On a Friday night in Yuma, you can find most teens hanging out at the movie theaters.

Since social distancing and the stay at home order, that’s out of the picture.

But one local teen wants to bring back an old school classic, the drive-in theater.

Jazmin Garcia said, “I would hear from my parents and family members and what they would say would be like it was cool just to experience it. It was fun to be with all of your friends and watching a movie in your car with everyone together in a certain spot.”

As COVID-19 has closed all movie theaters, the 18-year-old Yuma teen thought why not bring back the nostalgia of the classic drive-in venue?

She says this way you can still social distance while watching a movie.

“We should have one here in Yuma, we have spaces available.”

Garcia put together a petition and shared it on Facebook with hopes the community would support her idea.

“My mom checked [the petition], she goes you’re at over 1,000. And I was like oh my gosh. When I saw it was over 5,000 I was like if it’s what the people want I will try to keep going for it.”

In a week, she’s racked up more than 6,000 signatures.

But what does it take to actually make it happen?

Garcia emailed the mayor and Parks and Recreations.

The City of Yuma says this could be costly.

Garcia would have to consider renting a parking lot, a movie screen, projector, sound set up, plus the showing of the movie.

Then she’ll need a business license from the city.

Garcia says this drive-in movie idea is bigger than just a movie night with her friends during quarantine, she wants to revamp a tradition.

“People that live here now have been here since way back when drive-ins actually originated. So I believe they would love to have that drive-in again to be able to experience what they experienced before. And maybe to share with their kids and kids’ kids.”

Summer is right around the corner and Garcia thinks that is the perfect time for a drive-in movie night.