A long-standing Grand Junction movie theater is gone with the closing of Carmike Theater on 24 1/2 Road.

The closing does not come as a surprise since a for sale sign went up in front of the building several months ago and reports indicated the theater's lease on the building would be up by summer.

The Carmike Cinemas marquee now reads "SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH." The movie poster marquees are empty.

Zane Mathews
Zane Mathews
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What's coming next remains to be seen. A comment on Facebook suggested perhaps AMC Theatres would take it over. A previous report suggested the possibility of a restaurant moving in.

If it should continue as a movie theater, there are a number of obvious upgrades and improvements that are needed it is going to succeed.

  • The seats are worn and torn
  • It doesn't smell good
  • It looks old and rundown

Honestly, it's been tough for Carmike to compete with Regal Cinemas just a few blocks away with their size and state-of-the-art facility. How many times have you driven by Carmike on a Friday or Saturday night to find only about 20 cars in the parking lot? Did you ever dread having to go see a movie there?

It's sad to see Carmike go away, but we are hopeful that in its place will be something that will give Grand Junction residents another legitimate entertainment or retail option.

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