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Reopening Maryland: Bengies Theatre, Maryland's Only Drive-In, Reopens Wednesday Night

MIDDLE RIVER, Md. (WJZ) -- A relic of yesterday is now well suited for today to give Marylanders a chance to finally experience the big screen 2.5 months after movie theaters were shut down due to the coronavirus.

The Bengies Drive-In Theatre re-opens Wednesday night. After getting the green light from Governor Larry Hogan last week, the beloved Baltimore County institution is now ready to go.

"Social distancing is kind of built into our business here so seemed like a no-brainer we should be open and we're finally able to," said Ken Adam, the theatre's general manager.

Many local residents have been asking for weeks when would Bengies reopen.

Reopening Maryland: Bengies Drive-In Hopes To Open Next Week

"We haven't been able to go to restaurants movie theaters, anything so I think this is a great opportunity," local resident Gary Linder said.

The drive-in will premiere both "Sonic The Hedgehog" at 8:45 p.m. followed by "Jumanji: The Next Level."

Capacity is limited to allow for more space between cars and other steps are also being taken to keep moviegoers safe.

"[The] theater is going to be at half capacity, they'll be hand sanitizing stations throughout the theater mainly around the snack bar, for restrooms, the concession stand," Adam said.

Attendees will also have to wear a face mask when outside their cars.

Many said they're thrilled to be able to come back now, and venue organizers said the demand has been unprecedented, with shows on Wednesday and Saturday already close to being sold out.

"I'm really excited for it to open back up and once it opens back up I know me and the whole family's going in," Middle River resident Ed Ryan said.

Screenings currently shown on bengies.com are scheduled to begin every day at 8:45 p.m. through June 8. Tickets are being sold online only until further notice.

Bengies is the only drive-in theatre in Maryland.

For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.

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