Stadium Seating, Digital Technology, and Arcade Coming to Liberal Theater

Daily Leader staff report

Stadium seating, an arcade, digital projectors equipped with 3D technology and more are coming to Liberal’s theater.

The owners have announced a sale that will allow the upgrades that are expected to begin this year.

“We are excited about this venture, “ Sunflower Theaters partner Rick Yearick said. “Liberal will have a premiere facility with cutting edge technology, and the Southgate Mall will have a new partner that has a proven track record of revitalizing theaters and shopping centers.”

The new owner will be Brian Mitchell and his family who owns theaters in Guymon, Okla., and Newton. Both facilities offer wide aisles, captains’ chairs, stadium seating and arcades.

“We have always had a good working relationship between the Guymon and Liberal theaters,” Mitchell said. “That relationship has allowed us to create a concept that will appeal to residents in Liberal and the region. These upgrades will make Liberal a destination for movie-watching enthusiasts.”

Mitchell plans on adding screens and creating a new lobby experience. There will also be a party room.

Similar upgrades in Newton’s outlet mall helped bring tenants back. The Newton mall was basically vacant and is almost 70 percent full after the $1.5 million dollar plus theater renovation. Mitchell expects the Liberal theater remodel to be very similar.

“When we purchased the Liberal theater in 2005, it was always our goal to provide the ultimate movie-watching experience to area residents,” Yearick said. “This transaction will insure that our goal is met.”

Digital projection upgrades will allow Liberal’s theater to show live performances similar to the Hannah Montana concert in 2008 and sporting events like the Super Bowl.

“We have already planned on making digital upgrades to Guymon and Newton, and Liberal will be a natural fit,” Mitchell said.

The summer season is coming soon, and local movie goers don’t have to worry about Liberal’s theater being shut down while upgrades take place. Work through the summer will include some equipment upgrades and arcade work which will fill the available space directly north of the theater.

“Much of the work will be behind the scenes during the summer, and the work in the auditoriums will take place later this year,” Mitchell said.

By the time all upgrades are complete, Mitchell expects the theater to have six auditoriums, an arcade and more.

“We want to use both theaters together to bring more choices to the movie lovers in our area,” Mitchell said. “For instance, we could have used the additional screens in both theaters to show four of the five Best Picture nominees over the recent Oscar weekend.”

The sales transaction should be completed in March. Owners of both companies will be involved with the operation of the theater through the summer.

 

What to Expect in Liberal!

Below are some images from Chisholm Trail 8 in Newton Kansas, before and after the Mitchell Theatre Renovations

 

All auditoriums will have new Digital Surround Sound Systems and Stadium Seating.

 

The token "Mitchell Theatre" wide isles as well as

Tall-Back Bucket Seats.

 

Updated Concession and Fresh Made Popcorn Daily

 

An Updated Arcade

 

Also: Mitchell Theatres Heads to Garden City