Get ready for another year of big blockbuster movies this summer that is sure to entertain the most jaded moviegoer. Now that you want to see a particular film or films during this summer season the next step is where to go. You’ll want to see these films in true style, comfort, and convenience.
You’re in luck. Here is a listing of the ultimate Top 5 Movie Theaters in Tampa that offer a unique movie-going experience no matter what your tastes are. These theaters offer something for everyone to discount ticket prices, free or discount parking, to lush stadium seating and the state-of-the-art IMAX experience.
Let’s find out what these movie theaters have that will make you want to get out and see some films this summer instead of waiting for them to be released on DVD later:
1.) AMC Veterans 24 – 9302 Anderson Road, Tampa. Located north of Waters Ave. on Anderson Rd. Call 888-AMC-4FUN or (813) 243-4881 for Guest Services: the A.M.Cinema program offers a great discount that is limited in scope, but if you can take advantage of it this will be a great savings to you. Imagine seeing your favorite film in the early morning hours instead.
If you purchase a ticket before 12PM noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays you only pay $5 for admission. Another one of their fine programs is the AMC Select. These are special films for the more refined film aficionado featuring independents, documentaries, and foreign films for a limited time each month. Now featuring the IMAX experience, add an additional $4 from the regular ticket price.
Matinee discount prices are still offered during the weekday & weekend before the peak evening hours.
Other great amenities at the AMC Veterans 24 are the lush stadium seating, free ample parking, Digital Surround Sound, & 5 restaurants within walking distance. You can buy tickets in advance, especially the highly anticipated ones that are sure to be blockbusters, via their automated box office stationed nearby the traditional box office, online, or by phone. Remember some of these services have a nominal fee per ticket. For movie listings, showtimes, tickets prices, and other information: www.amctheatres.com
2.) AMC Westshore Plaza 14 – 210 Westshore Boulevard, Tampa. Located at I-275 and Westshore Blvd on the top level parking garage between Sears and Macy’s. Call 888-AMC-4FUN or (813) 637-8225 for Guest Services: many of the same great features and amenities, including the A.M.Cinema Program, that are also available at the AMC Veterans 24 with the exception there is no AMC Select program or IMAX here.
However, they have the extremely comfy LoveSeat style stadium seating with plenty of legroom and armrests that lift up to make more room in your seat. What makes this AMC Theater franchise different is its enclosed attachment to the shopping mall located down the escalators. Only a few steps away you’ll be downstairs in the mall with its various department stores, shops, restaurants and the old standby Food Court. If you want to see what’s playing at the AMC Westshore Plaza 14, their showtimes, tickets prices, etc. then go to: www.amctheatres.com
3.) Tampa Theatre – 711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa. Located between Zack St. and Polk St. in Downtown. Call (813) 274-8981: for the more sophisticated movie buff here’s an opportunity to take a step back in time. There was an era when movie palaces looked like you were seeing a picture show in an opera house. This historic theatre opened in 1926 and was designated America’s most elaborate movie palace at its time. Thankfully this grand jewel of a movie theater was saved by the wrecking ball in the early 70’s and remains one of the few left standing today in the U.S.
This old, but magnificently refurbished, theater features the main floor and a balcony. If you come early, or are lucky enough, you may be treated to a pre-show of the Mighty Wurlitzer organ. During the silent movie days live organ music provided the film’s soundtrack. If you experience one of these pre-shows you get a sense of what it was like to see films during those times.
Starting on May 31st will be the opening of their Summer Classic series of films such as Citizen Kane, The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and more every Sunday afternoon starting at 3PM throughout the summer months. Now you can see your favorite film(s) on the big screen as they were meant to be. Free parking is available after 5PM Monday through Friday, plus all day Saturday and Sunday. A complete listing of current films, concerts, special events, and other information can be found at: www.tampatheatre.org
4.) Muvico Centro Ybor 20 – 1600 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa. Call (813) 242-0664 recording or (813) 248-2323 for Guests Services: Centro Ybor is located in the heart of Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter in Ybor City around a palm-lined plaza. Besides the movie theater, Ybor Center, its translated name, is centered on the historically restored Centro Espanol building. Centro Ybor also features a number of retail stores, restaurants, entertainment venues and the latest in movie technology and innovation. This megaplex is unique as there are two separate theaters in one location.
First they have what is called “The Premier” theaters that comprise of 4 auditoriums for those who are 21 years or over. They feature a full service bar in the lobby for you to enjoy while watching the movie. Their oversized leather plush seats are incredibly comfortable. This is a very unique movie-going experience unlike anything else out there. The other 16 theaters are for all ages. Both of these separate cinemas offer stadium seating, extended concession menu, and advance ticket purchases. Reduced matinee ticket prices are available until 4PM. Midnight shows are offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Advance tickets may be purchased online at movietickets.com or by phone.
Discover their Valet Parking that is offered and it’s such a great benefit. Plenty of public parking is available too. Adjacently located to the theater is Centro Ybor Parking Garage. The information for ticket prices, listings, times, parking rates (Valet & Garage), and the directory of restaurants, shops, and other businesses go to these websites: www.muvico.com http://www.centroybor.com/Directory.asp
5.) Channelside Cinemas 10 IMAX – 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Located at the Garrison Seaport next to The Florida Aquarium. Call (813) 221-0700: the first theater to feature IMAX in its Cineplex here in the Bay Area. They offer advanced ticket purchases online at movietickets.com, stadium seating and digital sound in the other 9 cinemas, but it’s the IMAX that is worth checking out. One great benefit is their heavily discounted parking garage for theater patrons, considering it is a downtown venue, where parking can be sky high. You must park in the designated Channelside garage for only .50 cents up to four hours.
However, it is very important to have your ChipCoin validated at the box office or concessions. Valet Parking is another option, but there is no discount available for it. Besides the movie theaters Channelside is an entertainment complex filled with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, specialty shops, and a tourist attraction, The Florida Aquarium. You can even see a commercial cruise ship leaving or entering the port. To find out more about movies, showtimes, ticket prices, specifics directions, etc. go to their website: www.channelsideimax.com www.813area.com/tampa/channelside/
It may be hard now to decide where to go. Each place is different in what they have to offer besides the movies and the theater itself. Whatever you choice is your summertime at the movies this year will be a more even more rewarding.
SOURCES:
www.amctheatres.com
http://www.tampatheatre.org/history.php
http://www.tampagov.net/information_resources/attractions/Tampa_Theatre/
http://www.centroybor.com/default.asp
http://www.hisuitestampa.com/business/ybor_city_tampa.php
http://www.813area.com/tampa/channelside/
