WASHINGTON — Years after hosting sports games and live events, but now sitting idle, RFK Stadium is welcoming crowds of people back as a drive-in movie theater takes shape.
The founders of the Broccoli City entertainment company, who both have ties to the DMV, are overseeing the project, called "Park Up DC."
Organizer Brandon McEachern said that RFK Stadium's location made it an ideal place to host drive-in movies.
"It’s not crazy far, but it’s not crazy close," he said. "Space is always key for what we’re going through right now.”
So far, eight movies have been announced with more coming soon.
Movie Schedule
- Sonic the Hedgehog: 7/17-7/19 and 7/23-7/26 at 7 p.m.
- Jurassic Park: 7/18-7/19, 7/23 and 7/25-7/26 at 9 p.m.
- Dave Chappelle's Block Party: 7/17,7/24 at 11 p.m.; 7/18, 7/25 at 11:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7/17 and 7/24 at 9 p.m.
- Paddington: 7/31, 8/6 and 8/9 at 7 p.m.
- Fate of the Furious: 7/31-8/2 and 8/7-8/9 at 9 p.m.
- Secret Life of Pets 2: 7/30, 8/1, 8/2, 8/7 and 8/8 at 7 p.m.
- Love Jones: 7/30 and 8/6 at 9 p.m.; 7/31, 8/1, 8/7 and 8/8 at 11:30 p.m.
The movie schedule for Aug. 13-16 and 20-23 has not yet been released.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and only one ticket is needed per car, not per person.
McEachern said the lot for the drive-in movies hosts around 200 cars.
With the coronavirus pandemic still causing plenty of concerns all around the country, McEachern said he wanted to provide a fun getaway for people.
"We have to be considerate of what’s going on right now. This is safe fun," he said. "It’s something for the family. It’s also something for you and your significant other. It’ll be a great pastime.”
After hearing about the new drive-in theater, movie fan Jesse Rauch agreed that RFK Stadium served as a great spot due to the amount of open space for customers.
As a former promoter for Screen on the Green viewings on the National Mall, which stopped in 2015, he said the return of outdoor cinema in D.C. was exciting.
"I think what this could do is highlight that part of town and the potential for development that could happen," he said. "It is an iconic part of American history to have a drive-in theater but I think just having outdoor movies in general is a way of bringing people together.”
Moving forward, organizers say they hope to provide a special venue for moviegoers.
"It means so much to me to be able to create this experience. I think the community needs it," McEachern said. "If we can bring some people together to laugh and smile and have a magnificent time even just for an hour, that’s a blessing.”