San Bernardino abuzz over Regal Cinemas re-opening downtown

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- The long wait is over for San Bernardino residents eager to watch a movie closer to home.

On Monday, Regal Cinemas began showing previously released movies for charity, giving people a chance to give back to local groups and be the first to see the newly renovated downtown theater.

"The other day I swung by and I saw people here, so I am all excited," said Frances Anthony of San Bernardino. "We come back here again instead of going to other places far away."

It has been an action packed unofficial opening with more than 3,300 tickets sold the first day.

The city spent $4.7 million to bring the property back to life after another smaller chain closed its theaters here in 2008. The redevelopment of theater square along 4th and E streets may give San Bernardino's economy a much needed boost.

"Your auto centers, your shopping centers, your entertainment centers are the key drivers of your local economy for purposes of providing key services," said San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris.

On Friday, Regal Cinemas will hold its grand opening showing first-run movies on its 14 screens.

Coming soon, moviegoers will be able to enjoy diner and a movie. The city says the next phase for Theater Square will include six new restaurants in the hopes of generating even more revenue.

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san bernardino county, movie news, economy, inland empire news, leticia juarez

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