New normal? New theater

Social distancing is our new normal. It will be the norm for a long time, maybe even semi-permanently. Which means the Arena, Opera House, movie theaters, churches, etc., will be operating at a loss, if opening at all.

Last week, a famous country singer gave a concert at a drive-in theater. Today’s news said drive-ins are making a comeback. So, instead of building a new stadium at Albi that will sit unused for the forseeable future, put it on hold. Maybe the school district, the city, AMC/Regal, could and should build a large temporary drive-in. It could be located east of the downtown, on some of that vacant and rundown land. It then would have access for traffic to Division, Hamilton, the freeway, or Spokane Falls Boulevard or MLK Parkway.

It could be a double-decker for 250-plus cars each level, with their own on- and off-ramps. It would have a large screen for movies and a stage for concerts and other events. It could have a partial, or retractable or fabric roof for year-round events.

A lot of money from rent could be made, as well as from renting “boxes” along the sides for groups.

This would probably be popular enough to make a permanent building. This needs to be fast tracked and built yesterday, maybe even with federal help, as the first in the nation.

Richard Trerise

Spokane