With drive-in movies at Nassau Coliseum, an arena surrounded by parking lots gains an advantage

The coronavirus pandemic has upended all kinds of processes and assumptions, including the notion that an arena surrounded by an ocean of parking lots is a liability.

For the moment, it may be an advantage.

The Nassau Coliseum this weekend has sold out five drive-in showings of the movie Trolls, with all 200 tickets sold ($30/car in advance, $35 at gate). And there will be more next week.

Due to popular demand, we're extending our drive-in movie series!

Join us next weekend for the screening of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Tickets are on sale now ⬇️

🎥 🚘| https://t.co/dQUaSbolA9 pic.twitter.com/JEwZorYF8l

— NYCB LIVE (@NYCBLive) May 29, 2020

That said, it's a small advanage: $6,000-plus in gross ticket revenue, not counting ancillary income sponsorships, will not rescue a venue otherwise mothballed.

The description:

All ages are welcome to join our drive-in movie screening. Please note, this event is rain or shine and will broadcast on our large exterior LED wall facing Hempstead turnpike.
We have proudly partnered with Hofstra University radio for the sound broadcast and tune in information will be provided before and during the film screening.

Food & non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Outside food is permitted as well. For any alcoholic beverages brought in from outside, as always, we encourage non driver guests to drink responsibly and driver guests to never drink and drive.
The safety and wellness of our guests and staff are our top priority, please see the additional below information in the ticket and parking sections for our safety protocols.