Tiffin Drive In renovated

After going through significant renovations, the Tiffin Drive-In Theater, 4101 OH-53, is officially open for the community to enjoy. The updated outdoor theater is considered a "blast from the past with a state of the art spin," Michael Cole, owner, said. Improvements throughout the drive-in include new screens, an updated concession stand, a new box office and rest area, two new laser projectors and an expansion to the drive-in lot. "We put a lot of treasure and effort into it and we hope people come out and enjoy it," Cole said. During the height of the pandemic, Cole said he would often go to the theater while it hosted drive-in concerts in 2020. After this, Cole said he became inspired to build a drive-in of his own, and contacted locals in the area that could help him bring his inspirations to life. After talking with a network inside of Tiffin, Cole said he discovered the Tiffin Drive-In managers were looking for a buyer. Cole then officially took ownership of the Tiffin Drive-In in August of 2020, and established a blueprint by January 2021. Then in May of 2021 Cole said ground was officially broken with the help of Alvada Construction Company and RCM Architects, who "immediately got busy on the process of replacing the screen." "We tore the old original 1949 screen down and we had the new one up two weeks later," Cole said, adding the crew also built a second smaller screen. Construction to the drive-in was then finished on April 8 of this year. Cole said his goal for the theater was to "take it from being a forgotten institution and turn it into a community entertainment centerpiece." He also said that he plans to expand on the typical drive-in experience by adding events throughout the year, and hosting themed movie nights such as a 'Back to the Future' marathon which will include a real-life replica of the DeLorean time machine from the trilogy series. The drive-in is also currently home to the brightest screen in the world, Cole said. "We're the only ones who have it," he added. "It's a hoot that we have it here in Tiffin, Ohio at our little-drive in." Cole said that during the pandemic, while most theaters were experiencing crisis, he was looking to construct. Because of this, Cole said he had the opportunity to invest in a futuristic projector that is labeled as the brightest and most powerful cinema laser projector in the world. "People ask, 'is it so bright that I have to wear sunglasses to watch it?'" Cole said. "It's sharper and more detailed," he added, noting that although the screen is brighter the resolution and image is what contributes to it being labeled as the most powerful projector. Sunglasses will not be necessary, Cole explained. "We were the first to order it and the first to receive it, and for right now, we've got the brightest projector in the world," he said. "We needed to do something dramatic…it isn't just about the movies out here, it's about the drive-in," Cole said, explaining that the drive-in is family-oriented, and provides a safe and clean environment. "There will be something there for everyone," he noted. In the near future, Cole said the drive-in has plans to go beyond showing movies and become a staple venue in the community for events such as concerts, flea markets and car shows. He also explained that the drive-in is focusing on its reputation, community outreach and networking. Currently, Buckeye Family Farms outside of Alvada harvests popcorn for the drive-in, providing locally sourced snacks to the community. "A lot of this is based on a leap of faith really," Cole said. He said the drive-in was in need of an update, and he wanted to attract a broader audience. The official open house event for the Tiffin Drive-In Theater will occur May 13-14. The Tiffin Drive-In partnered with Michael Work from RCM Architects Inc., Lee Cleland from Alvada Construction Inc., Chuck Clouse of Clouse Electric LTD., Brian Arbogast, and drive-in managers Alex Doepker and Tommy Hoover to complete this project.