The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in, a staple for Austin moviegoers seeking the retro charm of drive-in theaters, has been hit by thieves, with its newest location on VFW Road becoming the latest casualty. According to an Instagram post by the theater chain, essential tech equipment was stolen from the main office trailer, leaving the business to operate with minimal resources. The company confirmed to KXAN the loss of blue-ray players, iPads, laptops, projectors, and various audio-visual supplies.
The blow comes after a series of robberies at all Blue Starlite locations, with the downtown site having previously reported a loss of approximately 80% of its equipment in early 2023. "we are pretty devastated that we took another hit and to be honest, we can't really take any more hits," the drive-in theater lamented on Facebook as per CBS Austin report. As a result, the lineup of films will be narrowed down for the time being, affecting the inclusion of additional independent titles.
The business, a favorite among residents for providing a vintage cinematic experience, has asked for community support in the aftermath of the robbery. Blue Starlite launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe where people can contribute to help replace the stolen goods and shore up security measures. The drive-in assured patrons that, despite the setback, screenings would continue on a limited schedule at the downtown location.
Those wishing to help can also support Blue Starlite by purchasing movie tickets or booking private screenings. While the drive-in maintains a commitment to remain operational, "We will soldier on, and will do our best to stay open in the way we have been this year," they announced, with an emphasis on the community's role in their recovery. Contributions and ticket sales are seen as essential aid in their time of need, as they strive to move forward from this latest chapter of hardship.
