After an extended outdoor-movie season last year, the South Drive-In Theatre is set to open on Friday with the action-thriller "Nobody."

Owner Bryon Teagardner, who has operated the theater at 3050 S. High St. since late 2018, decided to open the theater this weekend because of increasingly warmer weather and a sustained interest from moviegoers.

"We were fortunate enough to have a decent base last year and we did really well," he said. "I'm expecting that to continue this year."

The drive-in enjoyed an extended run last year, not closing until December — nearly two months beyond its traditional closing date in late October.

Teagardner said the season's expansion was due to continued interest from patrons who were drawn to the nearly 72-year-old drive-in with the closing of indoor theaters and other entertainment venues last year.

In accordance with state guidelines, drive-ins were prohibited from operating at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. But in late March 2020, Teagardner — along with the operators of the 23 other drive-in movie theaters sprinkled throughout Ohio — persuaded state officials to allow the opening of their theaters.

The drive-in movie setup proved a popular solution to keep consumers engaged, which inspired at least a half-dozen drive-in movie concepts to pop around the area this past summer.

Given the rising popularity of the drive-in experience, South Drive-In patron Tyler Armstrong, 24, expects an even larger group of attendees to circulate the theater's space this season.

"There’s no doubt in my mind that the theater will be packed," the Olde Towne East resident said. "It’s a popular destination on the South Side but is still kind of a hidden gem. I think this year will be its biggest year."

COVID-19 restrictions still in place

Unless Governor Mike DeWine says otherwise, Teagardner said viewers should expect the same COVID-19 restrictions as last season. The South Side theater will continue operating at half its usual capacity. Normally, 1,025 cars can fill the lot, but to assure social distancing, spaces between cars will remain empty.

No masks are required for moviegoers who remain in their vehicles, but if they choose to sit in front of their cars, they must wear facial coverings.

If theaters and concert spaces loosen safety regulations, Jaylen Braxton of the North Side, said he's hopeful South Drive-In will begin showing more first-run films.

"I know some companies are delaying debut dates for new movies because of traditional theater attendance being an issue during the current pandemic," Braxton, 22, said. "As vaccines are distributed, I can see movie theaters returning to normal capacity as we attempt to renormalize the world."

Although uncertain about the lineup of upcoming movies, Teagardner said he's hopeful newer titles, such as "Nobody," will be available in the coming months.

"I'm hoping we get some of that as things reopen," he said. "But I think we're excited to get back to business as usual. We know we're still in the pandemic, but this is what we do."

– The Columbus Dispatch

At a glance

The South Drive-In will open with the film "Nobody," starring actors Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen and Christopher Lloyd. The new release will be paired with the horror-comedy "Freaky" on the back screens, while films "Tom and Jerry" and "Space Jam" will be shown on the theater's front screens. For upcoming shows and more information, visit http://www.drive-inmovies.com and the theater's social-media pages for updates each week by Wednesday afternoon.