New drive-in entertainment facility promises to be an 'Oasis' for Marion

MARION - Nearly two decades ago, southern Illinois lost a treasured landmark and entertainment spot, the Egyptian Drive-in, believed to have been the largest wooden-screen tower in the world.

Thanks for the owners of Black Diamond Harley Davidson and Marion Center Project LLC, area residents will once again be able to enjoy the nostalgia of the drive-in theater as The Oasis Theater" opens next week.

Located on the south lot of the former Illinois Star Centre, now The Oasis, the new drive-in features a 36-foot tall, 60-foot wide SMD LED screen that towers around 60 feet above the ground, where a parking area will hold 500 cars.

Unlike older screens, the Oasis screen is state-of-the-art and will allow for viewing at any time of day, not just after dark.

That area was paved and marked by a local company, Sesser Pave & Seal.

"Every single spot points directly at the screen," said owner Darin Atchison, whose company has been doing work like this for 12 years. "Everyone will have the same view."

Atchison takes pride in the work he does, including the painstaking process of marking out 500 spots for moviegoers.

"We try to separate ourselves by doing phenomenal work," he said.

The Oasis will launch its opening with a "Saluki Tailgate Party" on Oct. 30, allowing guests to watch the SIU Salukis take on Southeast Missouri State in a football game to be played at Saluki Stadium with very limited attendance due to COVID-19 restrictions.

"Casper" will play on Halloween, followed later in the evening with a showing of the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show."

General information about the new venue can be found by visiting www.enjoyoasis.com.