Renovations Underway On Historic TeePee Drive-In Theater In Sapulpa

The historic TeePee Drive-In Theater on Route 66 in Sapulpa is coming back to life.

After decades of sitting empty, it has new owners with big plans.

The drive-in is a special place for the new owners, driving their determination for this multi-million-dollar project.

"It's played a major role in the history of growth and development of this community and to not have it functional for these generations now who have missed out on it,” said Joni Rogers-Kante.

Kante is a member of the Kante Group, the investors who bought the drive-in from the 1950s earlier this year.

Rogers-Kante said her brother used to work in the ticket booth before the drive-in sat vacant for decades.

The seven acres of land once held 400 cars.

Now, the Kante Group will spend millions of dollars to turn it into an entertainment venue for movies, concerts, events and more.

Rogers-Kante said plans include a playground, dining area, shopping and even 12 of Tulsa's own refurbished 1950s Spartan trailers that people can rent.

"Hundreds of homes are being built as people are now moving into the area, and we want to make sure we have lots and lots of family-friendly activity,” said Rogers-Kante.

The vision comes with a lot of preparations: Sewage, fiber, electricity, roadwork and more.

Rogers-Kante said the group is preserving a lot of the original structures, including the original screen.

"Can you imagine a structure, a thin structure like this, that's lived through how many tornadoes?” asked Rogers-Kante. “We're just so proud of it. We want to shine her up and show her off."

If the weather cooperates, the Kante Group plans to have the new TeePee Drive-In open next spring.

The group also has several current and upcoming projects around town.