Charity events at the Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium 14 & RPX brought a huge turnout of patrons Monday through Wednesday as well as rave reviews for the new theatre complex.
The new Regal theatre showed previously released films and incentivized pricing to $2 tickets, $2 popcorn and $2 sodas with proceeds being donated to a different local charity each day. The promotional week exceeded its goals, raising a total of $73,724 for the community and showcasing its theatre to future patrons.
“The Virginia Gateway theatre grand opening has been a wonderful success thanks to the community’s excitement and support,” said Christine White, Southern Marketing Manager for Regal Entertainment Group. “We are so fortunate to show our gratitude for this region’s support by donating funds to local charitable organizations.”
The week began Monday, raising $23,916 for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAS CIS) of Prince William, benefiting from those movie-goers eager to get a first look at the theatre. Tuesday, Disabled American Veterans received a steady flow of parents and children who were home for election day, earning them $29,330 in donations. Wednesday, for “Family Fun at Regal” families saw kid-friendly comedies, and $20,478 in proceeds benefited Youth for the Tomorrow, the Bristow-based teen intervention home founded by legendary football coach and NASCAR owner, Joe Gibbs.
Many people came out from Prince William and Fauquier counties, demonstrating how the Gateway Center and Promenade could grow as a hub for many regions south of Manassas.
Lydia Gardner of Warrenton wanted to experience the new movie-going experience at Gainesville’s theatre complex Wednesday evening.
“We just saw "Monsters U,"” said Gardner. “I loved. I loved that I had to pay $2 verses $15.”
However, after experiencing the theatre, Gardner said she would choose the Virginia Gateway Stadium complex over other movie theaters in the area, noting it is both newer and closer. She also liked the luxurious amenities it offered.
“I liked that it was clean. The seats are all comfortable,” she said. She even liked that the restrooms had many stalls.
Her young son, Coby, was likewise impressed, saying, “I like how big the screen is.”
Alyssa Daza, 14, of Bristow, came with her mom Wednesday evening, but found that the show they wanted to see was already sold out. However, Daza said she had already seen “Iron Man III" the previous evening. She liked the experience.
“There are different types of theatres,” she said, “the seat are all cushioned, and you can lean them back.”
Outside of the theatre, folks were enjoying entertainment provided through Charity partner Youth For Tomorrow’s founder Joe Gibbs.
Children posed next to an M&M sponsored NASCAR car driven by Kyle Busch, while listening to music from Radio Station 97.1, WASH-FM, “Washington’s Variety Station” which played via the station’s promotional van.
Brothers Matthew, Michael and Ian Stump, all under eleven, and close in age, were excited to see the M&M’s racecar, after they had just finished watching “Despicable Me II” in 3D inside.
Mother Donna Stumps of Gainesville said she was very impressed with the theatre.
Some local people admitted to seeing several films at Regal this week. Vicki Gorgone of Bristow had gone to see her fifth movie at the theatre in only three days.
“I love it. I think it’s really pretty. It has sort of a retro feel and it’s so close to home” she said.
In the lobby, Krysti Lloyd and Love Jones of Youth for Tomorrow enticed audience members to enter a raffle, guess how many M&Ms were in a jar, and ultimately take some information on Youth For Tomorrow.
“Several people have stopped by and asked, ‘What is Youth for Tomorrow?’ It’s funny how so many people drive by it and don’t know it’s there,” Lloyd said.
Lloyd reported they have had a great turnout.
“It’s been pretty busy all day. Steady and strong, and since 4 p.m. when school let out, a pretty solid flow,” she said.
Thursday, the Avenger’s “Thor: the Dark World” opens at Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium 14 & RPX. Regal Crown members will receive one free small popcorn and soft drink with each paid admission through November 14.
Theatre amenities include:
Sony Entertainment Access System: this cutting-edge technology assists moviegoers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind of low vision. The system includes specially designed lightweight eyewear for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing to privately view closed captioned text directly in their line of sight for both 2D and 3D movies.
RPX: Regal Premium Experience: Regal Premium Experience (RPX) presents movies the way filmmakers intended with powerful, uncompressed surround sound and bright eye-popping images in 2D and 3D. Take a seat in First Class at the movies! Featuring Crystal Clear Projection, Immersive 3D, Giant Screen and Powerful Surround Sound.
The Regal Crown Club, free to join, rewards frequent guests. Regal fans can access their card through their mobile device for easy access on-the go by downloading the Regal Movies app. Users can program their favorite theatre, gather movie information, select showtimes and purchase tickets. The Regal Crown Club is the number one theatre loyalty program in the country, allowing patrons to accumulate credits at the box office and concession stand to earn free popcorn, soft drinks and movies. Free membership is available at the theatre or online. Moviegoers can also stay connected through Regal Cinemas’ Facebook page and Twitter account, @RegalMovies.
For more information about the Regal Crown Club program, grand opening activities and showtimes, please visit www.REGmovies.com.
About Regal Entertainment Group:
Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) operates the largest and most geographically diverse theatre circuit in the United States, consisting of 7,342 screens in 576 theatres in 42 states along with Guam, Saipan, American Samoa and the District of Columbia as of October 24, 2013. The Company operates theatres in 46 of the top 50 U.S. designated market areas. We believe that the size, reach and quality of the Company’s theatre circuit not only provide its patrons with a convenient and enjoyable movie-going experience, but is also an exceptional platform to realize economies of scale in theatre operations.
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