To this day, Nashville citizens are continuing to rebuild since the catastrophic flood of May 2010.
Locals will always remember the time our city picked up the pieces from the devastation of a thousand-year flood that wreaked havoc on families and businesses across Middle Tennessee.
The Opry Mills mall, a once prominent shopping center, sadly fell victim to the flood, taking with it many popular stores and restaurants unique to Opry Mills, including a theater that held Nashville’s only IMAX screen.
After a year and a half of waiting, the theater is making a comeback.
The Opry Mills 20 and IMAX will finally re-open its doors to the public on Nov. 18.
Via press release, Dick Westerling, Regal Entertainment Group senior vice president of marketing and advertising, shared the news with the public.
“Regal Entertainment Group is eager to open our Opry Mills Stadium 20 & IMAX,” Westerlng said. “Prior to the flood, this location with its IMAX presentation attracted moviegoers from across Middle Tennessee. We believe our returning patrons will be impressed with this all-new facility.”
Westerling believes the theater–and its customers–will profit from the theater’s re-opening, which will be just in time for Thanksgiving.
“Opening during the busy holiday movie season is the perfect time to offer this state-of-the-art theatre to our loyal patrons in Nashville,” he said.
The theater will host a series of charity events on Nov. 14, 15 and 16 that will lead up to the grand re-opening. Those in attendance can purchase such offerings as $2 movies, popcorn and sodas.
Groups such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Nashville Film Festival and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee will benefit from the weeklong events.
The release of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1” will coincide with the grand re-opening, as will the animated sequel “Happy Feet Two,” which will be shown in IMAX 3D. Fans of the Twilight series, or those just ready to get their hands on tickets, can purchase them now in advance on Fandango.
“I’m just excited that the venue is re-opening mainly because the IMAX is so great,” said junior graphic design major Evan Webb. “It just adds something more to movies–especially action films. You just get more bang for your buck with IMAX films.”
Ski and Sun Sport, an outdoors-oriented store, will join the theater on Nov. 18 in the opening process. Bass Pro Shops became the first store to re-open its doors in October 2010, and thankfully, other businesses are following suit.
Soon after the return of the Regal theater and Ski and Sun Sport, game-themed restaurant Dave and Busters and clothing store VF Outlet plan to re-open before the year’s close.
Mall-goers can expect a complete Opry Mills re-opening beginning March 29, 2012.
The mall, which initially opened its doors in May of 2000, stood as one of Nashville’s biggest tourist spots, offering a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience for those staying at the famous Gaylord Opryland Hotel or people just visiting the city. The mall also held much local acclaim.
The mall met its temporary demise exactly ten years later due to the flood. After much litigation, mall owners Simon Property Group decided to re-open Opry Mills to the public.
Such well-loved stores and restaurants as Banana Republic Factory Store, The Aquarium Restaurant, J. Crew Factory, Rainforest Café, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store and a newly revamped Forever 21 will re-open their doors to patrons, as will a host of other shops and eateries.
The mall will also host a variety of new stores, featuring such promising additions as the Under Armor Factory House, Coach Factory Store, Chico’s, Tommy Bahama Outlet and the LEGO store.
Webb believes the mall’s return will stand as an important re-addition to the city for business and tourism.
“It’s just really good for Nashville,” he said.
While the Opry Mills theater is not currently accepting applications for jobs, students interested in working can apply at Regal’s website once the theater has opened.
For more information on the theater’s re-opening, the charity events and other information (including future job opportunities), Regal recommends visiting http://www.regmovies.com/ .
Please continue to follow Lumination for more updates about Opry Mills.
Photo Credit: The Tennessean and REGAL