THE ADMIRAL TWIN: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS DRIVE-IN SEASON

Photo Credit: News Locker

“Stay gold, Ponyboy,” just may be the most iconic line from 1983 film The Outsiders. Opening in 1951, the Admiral Twin Drive-In is one of Tulsa’s golden features and is the site of the famous drive-in scene. A fire in 2010 demolished the beloved Admiral Twin, and they did not reopen until 2012. Since then, the Admiral Twin Drive-In has been a popular nostalgic feature on summer to-do lists for Tulsa locals and visitors.

The drive-in attracts all kinds of people searching for a fun, night-out experience that is one-of-a-kind. Unlike movie theaters, at the Admiral Twin you can fully embrace summer vibes. You feel the night breeze and hear the bugs chirp while you enjoy the film of your choice (if bugs buzzing while you’re trying to eat snacks and watch a movie drives you crazy, I would recommend bringing some bug spray or bug-repelling candles).

Drive-ins are more social than regular theaters. Children run amok, blankets and pillows can be stacked into the most epic car pillow fort, you and your friends can play games and even your dog can come! Lawn chairs should be used for extra room or if you do not want to sit in the back of your vehicle. Outside food and grills are not allowed, but there are concessions with foods like hot dogs, chips, drinks, and candy.

Costing $7 for ages 12 and up and $3 for ages 3-11, admission is also cheaper than traditional theaters. There are two screens at the Admiral Twin, and each plays two films a night. You get to watch two movies for less than the price of one elsewhere. You can either stay for both or just show up for one; however, if you attend one movie, you pay the same admission price.

Showtime is at sundown. Gates open an hour and a half before the movie starts on Friday and Saturday, and 30 minutes early Sunday through Thursday. It is advised that you arrive as close to the gate-opening as possible to ensure the best seats.

At the drive-in, you must bring your own speakers. You can use your car radio or bring a portable radio if it receives FM transmissions through which the movie audio will be broadcasted. However, using the radio of your car for an extended period while the car is off could drain your battery. While the Admiral Twin does offer jump-starts, it is recommended that you bring a portable, battery-powered radio.

With talking neighbors, people walking by your car every few minutes, barking dogs, and noisy traffic, drive-in movies have more background noise than a normal movie theater. If you are with a group of people (4+) and want to hear the movie, I would suggest bringing two radios if possible, as it can often be hard to hear with the extra commotion.

Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re like me your browser is full of searches for “fun things to do in Tulsa.” Experience the nostalgia and the excitement yourself. The Admiral Twin Drive-In is an annual must-see for me, my friends, and Tulsans alike. Just make sure you clean up after yourself and try to not disturb other viewers’ experiences.

According to the Admiral Twin website, the drive-in is open from sometime in March until around Halloween. As of now, the drive-in is only on weekends (Friday-Sunday). Visit the Admiral Twin website for any additional inquiries.