By Michelle Caceres
It might be Warcraft, a fantasy that revolves around the epic conflict between the opposing forces Horde and Alliance. It may be Ghostbusters, a remake of the popular 1980’s franchise. Or it could be Finding Dory, a sequel to Disney’s blockbuster tale of Nemo and the gang.
What movies will be showing at Xscape Theatres when its doors open next year is uncertain, but with groundbreaking completed and construction slated to begin soon, moviegoers can take heart that there will be a new place to nosh popcorn and watch their favorite flicks.
The 60,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility, located at the intersection of I-75 and Progress Blvd., will feature 14 auditoriums boasting crystal clear digital sound and 4K digital projection with bright, immersive 3D technology. Two auditoriums, coined “Xscape Theatre Xtreme screens,” will showcase 70 ft. wide wall-to-wall screens and Dolby Atmos surround sound systems.
Chance Ragains, chief executive officer of Xscape Theatres, said he is committed to building theatres that cater to the movie theatre patron by providing a superior movie-going experience.
“Stadium-style, leather reclining seats with footrests is just one of the ways we achieve that,” he said.
On hand at the groundbreaking were representatives from the Brandon and Riverview Chambers of Commerce.
Riverview Chamber Executive Director Tanya Doran was thrilled about what the new business will mean for area residents.
“We will soon have another entertainment option in our community,” she said.
Doran is also excited about the 50 jobs that will be created when the theatre opens as well as the potential for more commercial growth in its vicinity.
“The theatre opening, with its projected 500,000 visitors annually, should attract other businesses like restaurants to the area which in turn will create even more jobs,” she said.
The Riverview multiplex is the fifth location for the growing chain, which established its first location in Brandywine, Md., a suburb of Washington D.C., in 2013. Other locations include the Cincinnati area, Louisville, Ky. and Howell, N.J.
For more information about Xscape Theatres, visit www.xscapetheatres.com.
