Oklahoma’s Oldest Drive-In Fights Oil Drilling 500 Feet Away

Chickasha, OK-  Historic Theater Faces New Neighbor

The operators of Oklahoma’s oldest drive-in theater say their business is under threat from a proposed oil drilling site located just a few hundred feet from their property.

Barbara and Greg Egbert, who run the Chief Drive-In Theater south of Chickasha off U.S. Highway 81 in Ninnekah, are fighting a plan by Camino Natural Resources, a Denver-based energy company, to drill within Chickasha city limits.

Drilling Site Only 500 Feet Away

According to reporting from the Southwest Ledger, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has already granted Camino a permit to drill. The approved site sits roughly 500 feet from the theater’s back row, raising concerns about noise, vibrations, and light pollution during nighttime operations.

Owners Appeal to City Leaders

The Egberts have taken their concerns to the Chickasha City Council, asking local leaders to intervene. They argue the drilling would severely disrupt moviegoers’ experience, making it difficult to operate the family-owned business, which has served the community for decades.

“The noise and lights from drilling would completely change the atmosphere for our customers,” Barbara Egbert said. “We’re fighting to preserve this theater for future generations.”

Balancing Energy and Community Interests

Oklahoma has long faced tensions between its energy industry and local businesses, particularly when oil and gas operations intersect with tourism or cultural landmarks. For Chickasha, the question is whether economic development from oil production outweighs the potential disruption to a historic community attraction.

The Egberts say they are hopeful city leaders will take their concerns seriously as the project moves forward.