Regal Entertainment Group will open the brand-new Issaquah Highlands Stadium 12 theatres this week, while at the same time closing the old Regal Cinemas Issaquah 9 complex in Pickering Place.
“We are going to remodel the current theatre and plan to reopen it later this year,” said Russ Nunley with Regal. “We should have more details about how the current Issaquah theatre will be transformed and some announcements to come soon as we re-launch the existing theatre with a whole new identity.”
The plan is to convert the Issaquah 9 complex into a Cinebarre, which are owned by Regal. The idea behind Cinebarre is for adults to be able to enjoy food and beer or wine, which they order from their seats. Menu cards are on your table when you arrive, you fill them out, and your server brings what ever you need throughout the film. But that’s down the road a bit.
Saturday, preview events at the new theatres, with $2 movies, begin for three days, June 29 to July 1, to benefit local charities. The official grand opening will be July 2 at 7 p.m. with first-run features including “The Lone Ranger” and “Despicable Me 2.” Moviegoers will be treated to free popcorn and soft drinks with each paid admission July 2 — 11.
“We are extremely excited to open a Regal location in the beautiful Issaquah Highlands area,” said Neal Pinsker, senior vice president of operations for Regal Entertainment Group.
The preview event Saturday, June 29, is themed “Regal’s Recipe for Hope,” benefitting the Issaquah Food Bank, with recent Hollywood hits along with selected food-themed films. Sunday, June 30, “Read It and See It at Regal” features book-related films benefiting the charity Newspapers in Education. Monday, July 1 benefits ArtsFund of Seattle during “Regal Super Heroes for a Cause” for a superhero-inspired day at the movies.
The new Issaquah Highlands facility will have all of the cutting-edge technology available to assist moviegoers who are handicapped. Guests in need of special accommodations can ask any manager for assistance.
An IMAX digital projection system at Issaquah Highlands will show films projected on a specially designed IMAX screen that is slightly curved and moved forward, coupled with a digital surround sound system to immerse the audience.
The 12-screen theatre will accommodate more than 2,500 moviegoers. Patrons will enjoy digital projection in every auditorium, stadium seating, with each row elevated for an unobstructed view, and high-back rocking chairs featuring cup-holder armrests which move out of the way to form seats for two.
