Fort Worth families gathered for a final night of nostalgia on Labor Day as the Coyote Drive‑In, a beloved outdoor theater on the future Panther Island site, held its last screenings. Over 800 cars filled the 18‑acre lot to watch “Coyote vs. Acme,” “Cars: 20th Anniversary,” “Spider‑Man: Brand New Day,” and “The End of Oak Street,” marking the end of a 14‑year tradition.
Generations of memories
Ercilia Galloway recalled the first time her husband, Drew, took her to the drive‑in under the stars. “We laid in the bed of a pickup, giggled, and had a really fun time,” she said, remembering how the theater became a regular family outing, even with their three‑month‑old baby in tow.
For many Fort Worth residents, the drive‑in was more than a place to watch movies; it was a community hub. During the pandemic, it hosted weddings, concerts and graduations, offering a safe, open‑air venue for celebrations.
Closure and future plans
The theater’s lease with the Tarrant Regional Water District expired, prompting the closure. General manager Chris Fortune described the loss as “a giant hole” for local moviegoers. President Glenn Solomon confirmed that the company is scouting new locations, though details remain under wraps.
Fortune also noted that the site will soon become part of the Panther Island development, slated to begin construction on two new canals and a three‑acre park this fall. While the project promises new recreational space, some employees expressed mixed feelings.
Voices from the staff
Shift lead Tristan Batey, 19, described his final shift as bittersweet. “Fort Worth has been getting more and more boring every year. So much new stuff is coming, but it only lasts like three years, and then it’s gone,” he said. “But this place has held that bulwark. It’s unique.” Batey praised the drive‑in’s open environment, noting that it gave families a personal bubble unlike the quiet expectations of indoor theaters.
Teenage concession workers braved the summer heat to prepare popcorn, hot dogs, burgers and corndogs for the crowds. As the night wore on, employees gathered movie posters as souvenirs, recalling the camaraderie of school‑year end sign‑offs.
Community reflections
Long‑time patrons shared heartfelt memories. Mallory Qualls arrived early with her children to claim a front‑row spot for “Coyote vs. Acme,” saying the closure felt like the end of a personal saga. Engaged couple Blake Taylor and Tuesday Kissinger recalled their first date and engagement photos taken at the drive‑in, calling the venue “very important to our story.”
Many agreed that the drive‑in offered more than novelty; it provided a family‑friendly summer gathering place where neighbors could connect while enjoying a film from the comfort of their cars.
Looking ahead
As the gates were locked and the lot fell silent near midnight, Fort Worth residents were left with a mix of gratitude for the memories and anticipation for the upcoming Panther Island park. The closure underscores the city’s evolving landscape, balancing cherished local traditions with new development.
For now, the Coyote Drive‑In lives on in the stories of families who grew up watching movies beneath the Texas sky, a reminder that community spaces rooted in family and faith leave lasting impressions.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
