After decades of showing movies under the stars, the 88 Drive-In is closing its doors.

It's time to say goodbye, Colorado. After a decades-long run, the 88 Drive-In Theatre in Commerce City will close. According to reports, the Kochevar family, who owned the drive-in, said they put the property up for sale nearly two years ago. It's been under contract for about 18 months.

New owners First Industrial Realty Trust have submitted a proposal to rezone it to "light-intensity industrial" for an 80,500-square-foot multi-tenant warehouse building.

In a statement sent to Westword, the Kochevar family wrote:

"The 88 Drive-In would like to set the record straight and tell you about our reasons for selling our beloved drive-in theatre. Firstly, this decision was not made lightly and was a joint decision of the family. We are not a big, greedy corporation. We are one small family with a family-run business. ... We were not approached by any buyers prior to putting the property up for sale. The property was put up for sale about two years ago, and has been under contract for about 18 months ...

We realize that there is also a current community need to expand 88th Ave and Rosemary to accommodate the explosion in population in the area, and we feel the land is at its highest and best use for the community in the re-development plan the buyer has created. Please, remember us with a loving, tender heart and know that this decision was not made from greed, but from sadness and loss. Our family grieves the loss of the drive-in, but it is what is best for us and for the community. The best way to support us in this time is to grieve with us, share with us your stories of the good times on our Facebook page.

We do not know when our last night will be at this point, but we will be sure to post it when it is set. In the meantime, come on out and enjoy some movies under the stars and make some lasting memories."

On May 18, the Commerce City Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of the zoning change at a May 18 meeting.

"We’re super excited to be here and we really like this opportunity to build what we think is a quality product in your community," First Industrial Realty Trust Regional Director John Strabel said.

You can still visit and attend the 88 Drive-In, but I'd hurry! View the upcoming showings on their website.

Did you ever watch a movie at the 88 Drive-In Theatre? Share your memories with us!