KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Growlers have announced that Homer Stryker Field will be hosting a Drive-In Theater series beginning this weekend.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, baseball games are unable to be hosted at this time, leading to the creation of this series. The Growlers have already provided some curbside events during the pandemic with social distancing measures in place.
During the drive-in series, participants will be able to park their vehicles on the field and watch movies on the Eaton video board. Audio will be provided by tuning into a specific FM radio channel.
The opening show for the Kalamazoo Growlers Drive-In will be Saturday, June 13 and will feature The Lion King (2019). The first series of movies runs from June 13-17, and further screenings will be announced at a later time.
The current schedule for planned screenings can be viewed below:
- Saturday, June 13 – The Lion King (2019)
- Sunday, June 14 – The Sandlot
- Monday, June 15 – Toy Story 4
- Tuesday, June 16 – Captain Marvel
- Wednesday, June 17 – Aladdin (2019)
Similar to how the Growlers hosted Curbside Concessions over Memorial Day Weekend, participants are required to order food ahead of time using the Curbside Concessions Website. Outside food and drinks are prohibited for the screenings.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several safety protocols will be in place during these screenings. The full list of guidelines is written as follows:
- No outside food or drinks can be brought into the event area.
- Smoking and/or vaping in the event area is prohibited.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance via online link; no walk-up sales, event subject to sell out.
- Tickets must be printed out or shown digitally through the window upon entry.
- Gates will open 90 minutes prior to screening.
- Spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis by a Growlers staff member, large vehicles will be asked to park in the back.
- Vehicles (if applicable) must park and remain parked in their designated location as indicated by Growlers staff; these have been predetermined to have proper social distancing between vehicles.
- Vehicles will not be permitted to enter the event area after the start of the show, refunds will not be given in this circumstance.
- If a vehicle must exit before the end of the event, please text the help line so a Growlers staff member can usher you out. The help line is 269-215-8124.
- Exiting a vehicle is not permitted, with only exceptions being to use the restrooms.
- If a visitor must leave their space, they are requested to wear face coverings at all times.
- Each vehicle may not have more people than the amount of suggested passengers.
- No sitting in open pick up beds, all vehicles must be enclosed, including convertibles. Open windows are acceptable.
- Social distancing must be practiced at all times with guests remaining 6 feet away from one another, markings for the lines must be obeyed and concession protocols must be followed.
- The Growlers staff have the right to ask anyone to leave if they are not following guidelines.
- Cancellations and alterations to the event are likely in any conditions that could cause damage to the event surface or video screens.
- Refunds will not be given in the event of a cancellation, but tickets will be available for credit towards a future movie night or event.
- A secondary site at the facility in the parking lot could be used in place of the field if the field is unsuitable.
- Hand sanitation stations will be located near the concessions area.
- Fans are expected to be respectful of the event area and other fans, please drive slowly. If you have symptoms or feel sick, please stay home.
- All guidelines above subject to change.
Parking spots are limited and are available on a per-car basis for $30 in advance of the showonly. The event area will be limited to 100-220 vehicles per show depending on field conditions.
Showtimes and tickets can be found at www.growlersbaseball.com.
In a related matter, the City of Portage will also begin its own Drive-In series this weekend at Ramona Park. This series will be hosted starting Friday, June 12 with a screening of Frozen 2.
Elsewhere in Michigan, Muskegon’s Getty Drive In has also begun operations as of last week.
