Local luminaries celebrated the grand opening of Regal Cinemas’ new Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium 14 & RPX at the Promenade at Virginia Gateway in Gainesville Sunday evening with a reception, ceremony and special preview of the theater's new features.
Regal Cinemas Marketing Manager Christine White said the turnout for the grand opening was “fantastic.”
White promised the theatre was sure to please, especially the Regal Premium Experience (RPX), which features a “mammoth floating screen, sound system to shake you out of your seat and plush, cushy chairs.”
She said the opening was “an opportunity for us to thank all of the partners who helped us get to where we are now. It is also to get a first look at the theatre and for the staff an opportunity to relax."
White also thanked the Peterson Companies - the Promenade's developer - and staff members, who had trained by working in the Manassas theatre over the past few weeks.
At the reception, community leaders got their first glimpse at the theatre that was designed with a nod to old Hollywood, with its modern deco style that was clearly equipped with state-of-the-art and luxurious upgrades. Guests marveled at the spacious lobby, bright lights, warm colors and animated images flashing above the concession stand.
While sipping wine and hors d’oeuvres, business partners and community leaders gave their impressions of the new theater. Brentsville Supervisor Wally Covington saw it as not just a great entertainment venue, but also a place for local teens to congregate near their communities.
“It will be a safety net. who just got their drivers licenses won’t be constantly driving on 66,” Covington said.
Covington even hinted that he’s working to bring a new luxury hotel near the Promenade.
Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland said everything looked “absolutely great,” adding, “It is exactly
what this part of the county needs to bring new entertainment.”
Candland congratulated Supervisor Covington for the great job he had done working with the Peterson Companies to coordinate the development of the Promenade.
But he and his wife Robin said it is their children who are most excited about the theater in Gainesville.
This excitement also extended to residents who have been waiting for years for the complex to be completed.
“It’s beautiful,” said Laura Barrett, “I’m really excited about having a real menu,” she said, pointing out spicy chicken, hush puppies and cheeseburgers listed amongst popcorn and soda at the concession stand.
Mindy Diepenbrock, meanwhile, was happy to have the amenity so close to home because it means that, “we don’t have to drive to Manassas.”
For the reception ceremony, all of the guests filed into the massive RPX theatre to find large comfortable seats, wide aisles and an enormous screen.
WTOP Meteorologist Brian Van de Graaff introduced the business partners and community leaders and watched as the Regal Management Team tore a large chain of movie tickets in lieu of a ribbon cutting.
Russ Nunley, Vice President of Marketing for Regal Entertainment Group, said, the theatre was the company’s “pride and joy” to offer the best moviegoing experience, and anyone does not enjoy it, the next movie is “on us."
Nunley explained the charity nights they are holding from Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 4-6 with $2 tickets, $2 popcorn and all proceeds going to local charities including CASA (Court Appointed Children's Special Advocates) of Great Prince William on Monday, Disabled American Veterans on Tuesday, and Youth for Tomorrow in cooperation with the Clear Channel Radio on Wednesday.
Director of Clinical Services for Youth for Tomorrow (YFT) Terry Tinsley, said working with Regal was a perfect fit for the Bristow campus that works with the region’s at-risk teens.
He also said it was Joe Gibb’s vision for YFT to work with businesses in their own backyard.
Board of County Supervisors Chairman at-Large Corey Stewart also thought the theatre would be a great addition to the county.
“It’s a great new amenity that adds to the quality of life in Prince William. As we’ve been learning, economic development is closely intertwined with the addition of new amenities,” said Stewart. “If the quality of life is good, businesses will want to locate here.”
After the ceremony, guests were invited to see one of three new films: “Ender's Game,” “Free Bird” or “Las Vegas.”
Check out movie listings and other promotions at Regal.
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!