Hy-Vee: It's Showtime

Hy-Vee is seeing stars—on the big screen, that is. The Midwest retailer is the title sponsor of a new drive-in movie theater opening in its hometown of West Des Moines, Iowa.

The theater opens to the public June 6 with a showing of the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,” which was shot in Dyersville, Iowa, and stars Kevin Costner as an Iowa farmer who builds a baseball field in a cornfield. Dwier Brown, who played John Kinsella (Kevin Costner’s dad) in the film, will be at the theater’s opening to introduce the film and participate in a meet and greet.

“As things slowly start to return to normal, Hy-Vee wants to help people get out of the house in a safe and COVID-friendly manner,” said Anna Stoermer, district VP of Hy-Vee’s Des Moines West district. “By bringing back the experience of a nostalgic, drive-in movie theater, we believe we can help families create memories while making the most of their summer.”

The Hy-Vee Drive-In Theater is located at Valley West Mall in the parking lot south of the former Younker’s department store. It can accommodate about 98 vehicles, with 75 spots at the front of the venue for people who would prefer to bring chairs (up to six people) and sit outside. It also features food and beverage vendors on-site, including a bar for those 21 and older, and a free play area for children.

HD On The Go Big Screen LLC will operate the theater throughout the summer, in which three movies will play every Thursday through Sunday, beginning with a children’s movie in the afternoon and two features in the evening. Monday through Wednesday, the theater will be available to rent for private use for groups and businesses to hold fundraising events or special employee nights.