After a lengthy delay, southeast Calgary will be able to enjoy the first phase of the new Cineplex Cinemas Seton and VIP theatre on July 11.
The theatre was originally scheduled to open in spring 2018, but a fire ripped through the nearly-completed cinema in November 2017 and delayed its opening. An investigation determined the fire was started by an unknown electrical problem.
“With the construction fire late last year seriously damaging the theatre just weeks before we were scheduled to open, Cineplex Cinemas Seton and VIP is a new theatre that already has a memorable history with the community,” Cineplex president and CEO, Ellis Jacob said in a news release.
The VIP Cinemas will be the first of its kind to open in Calgary and offers an adults-only movie experience which includes an expanded menu with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.
The VIP theatre is scheduled to open in August and will feature opening celebrations for the firefighters who helped combat the blaze in November.
“We are incredibly thankful for the patience of our partners, staff and Calgary movie-lovers as we worked tirelessly to get this theatre open and, of course, thankful for the Calgary Fire Department,” Jacob said in a news release.
In an emailed statement, Calgary fire spokesperson Carol Henke thanked Cineplex for recognizing the firefighter’s efforts.
“We’ve spoken with Cineplex about the possibility of participating in a charity event to help with staff training in advance of the opening,” Henke said.
Cineplex will have seven theatres opening starting Wednesday, with four more VIP auditoriums to open later in the summer, Cineplex said.
The movie theatre will span 46,000 square feet and have recliner seating as well as UltraAVX and D-BOX motion seats.
Cineplex Cinemas Seton and VIP is located at Seton Boulevard and Deerfoot Trail in southeast Calgary.
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