The storm struck Warren shortly before 7:15 p.m. Thursday and badly damaged the historic outdoor theater.<\/p>\n
Owner Chris Novak said much of the property was destroyed during the storm.<\/p>\n
SkyVu opened in 1953 and remains one of Minnesota’s few surviving drive-in theaters.<\/p>\n
Storm Tears Through Historic Theater<\/h2>\n
Novak said he expected the storm to pass without causing major trouble.<\/p>\n
Instead, strong winds tore apart large sections of the theater and damaged key structures.<\/p>\n
The destruction included the main screen, sound equipment, and the theater’s classic roadside marquee.<\/p>\n
A separate storm had already damaged the screen in May.<\/p>\n
That earlier damage forced a temporary closure before SkyVu reopened later that month.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Novak said insurance adjusters and contractors have already been contacted about the latest destruction.<\/p>\n However, he expects the rebuilding cost to exceed the theater’s insurance coverage.<\/p>\n The owner said the goal is to reopen sometime next summer.<\/p>\n SkyVu also provides seasonal jobs for local teenagers.<\/p>\n Novak said the theater employs 23 young workers during its operating season.<\/p>\n He said losing the theater affects families, employees, and moviegoers across the region.<\/p>\n A fundraiser has been launched to help cover rebuilding costs not paid by insurance.<\/p>\n The official GiveSendGo campaign has a $100,000 goal.<\/p>\n By the evening of September 4, the campaign had raised $9,420.<\/p>\n The theater has asked supporters to use only its official fundraiser.<\/p>\n SkyVu has warned that other fundraising pages may not be connected with the business.<\/p>\n Donations can be made through the official SkyVu GiveSendGo fundraiser<\/a>.<\/p>\n Novak said the response from Warren and surrounding communities has been strong.<\/p>\n People have offered donations, fundraising ideas, and other forms of help.<\/p>\n He said the support shows how important the drive-in remains to the region.<\/p>\n Despite the damage, Novak said the theater is not shutting down permanently.<\/p>\n He plans to rebuild and bring movies back to the Warren drive-in.<\/p>\n The SkyVu Drive-In website<\/a> includes information about the theater and its history.<\/p>\n![\"Storm](\"https:\/\/trfnews.i234.me\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/SkyVu-Drive-In.webp\")
Owner Plans to Rebuild<\/h2>\n
Fundraiser Launched for SkyVu<\/h2>\n
Community Rallies Around Drive-In<\/h2>\n