Blake Smith: Under the Stars at the Admiral Twin

Blake Smith grew up loving movies, and today he helps carry on one of Tulsa’s most recognizable landmarks: the Admiral Twin Drive-In.

For Smith, the drive-in has always been about more than showing films.

“Running a well-known Tulsa spot means being a steward of a place that holds special memories and significance for the community,” he says. “It’s both an honor and a responsibility, knowing that people associate the drive-in with good times and local culture.”

Some of his own favorite memories happened there, too. Smith still remembers opening night in 1988, after his father purchased the Admiral Twin. Cars stretched all the way from the drive-in to Memorial Drive as crowds packed in.

That same excitement still fills summer nights at the Admiral Twin today, especially for families looking for something different.

“Families still love the drive-in experience because it’s both nostalgic and refreshingly different from a typical night out. Drive-ins in general offer a relaxed, affordable way for everyone to spend time together,” he says.

He understands the magic from both sides now—as someone who grew up loving drive-ins and now experiences them as a dad to sons Jude and Maxwell. He remembers visiting a drive-in in Florida as a teenager and being amazed by the big screen outside at night and the experience of watching a movie from the family car. Today, he sees families making those same kinds of memories at the Admiral Twin.

“Being a dad has given me a whole new perspective on what the drive-in represents,” Smith says. “I get to see it through my kids’ eyes. It reminds me that the drive-in is more than just a place to watch movies—it’s about making memories together.”

Part of the appeal, he says, is that the experience feels different from a traditional movie theater. Kids can wear pajamas, stay up late and pile into the back of the car with popcorn and snacks. For some families, it even feels a little like a mini camping trip.

He’s seen thousands of movies over the years, but it’s a classic that remains his all-time favorite: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Surprisingly, Smith says it’s one he’s never actually shown at the Admiral Twin, though that may change during the drive-in’s 75th anniversary this year.

For kids, though, the magic of the drive-in often has less to do with what’s on the screen.

“The novelty of watching a film outdoors, with the excitement of being part of a big gathering, makes the drive-in a magical place for kids,” he says.

Drive-In Tips from Blake Smith

• Arrive early to grab a good spot and let kids play before the movie starts.
• Bring blankets, pillows and lawn chairs to make your setup extra cozy.
• Tune your radio in early so you’re ready for movie audio.
• Pack jackets and bug spray for cooler nighttime temperatures.
• Plan ahead for sleepy kids if you’re staying for the second feature.
• Most importantly: Relax and enjoy time together as a family.