Historic AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas Takes Center Stage

DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Theatres, L.L.C., operator of the AmStar Cinemas and The Grand Theatres, announces today that AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas, located at 10110 Technology Blvd. East in Dallas, will open to the public on Oct. 14.

AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas boasts 14 new auditoriums with all-digital projection and sound, 3D capabilities, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seating and high-back rocking chairs along with a birthday party and game room.

Formerly known as The Grand 24, the AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas was the nation's first megaplex when it opened to record-breaking audiences in 1995. FOOTLOOSE and THE THING, both remakes of hit movies from 1984 and 1982 respectively, open on Friday, Oct. 14.

"We are thrilled to unveil the all new AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas in a building with such rich history in the entertainment industry. It is fitting then to open the theatre on the same weekend as some cherished Hollywood remakes," said George Solomon, founder of Southern Theatres. "We have completely remodeled the theatre complex with all new seats, projection, snack bar and games. This is a whole new theatre with fantastic amenities and guest service."

Another portion of the historically significant building is being converted into a Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, which will open later this year.

"In the long tradition of dinner and a movie, we pursued this exciting opportunity to pair Hollywood hits, high-energy, live bands and home-style cooking to create a true entertainment destination at Stemmons Crossroads," said David Brain, president and CEO of Entertainment Properties Trust.

Moviegoers can take advantage of all of the amenities at AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas before the grand opening when the theatre hosts two community events. On Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m., moviegoers can enjoy a sneak peek of the new theatre, as well as free popcorn and soft drinks while watching a recent title on the silver screen, for a $5 donation to Variety of Texas. On Thursday, Oct. 13, the community event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting, followed by recent movie screenings, free popcorn and soft drinks beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a $5 donation in support of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. During this event there will be a live radio remote and a giveaway of a party for 10, which includes admission, popcorn and drinks.

There are also a number of great movie events planned for opening weekend. The first 100 guests to purchase a ticket on Friday and Saturday (Oct. 14 and 15) will receive an AmStar Cinemas t-shirt, which entitles guests to a free small popcorn each time they wear their shirts to the theatre for the remainder of 2011. During a live remote on Friday, Oct. 14, AmStar Cinemas will give away a 2012 season pass, entitling the winner and one guest to free movies for a year.

On Sunday, Oct. 16, the first 100 moviegoers to purchase tickets will receive a complimentary 32-ounce beverage in a collectible cup. From Oct. 16, 2011, through March 1, 2012, guests visiting the theatre with their collectible Amstar Cinemas cup will receive a refill at a discounted price of $1.

AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas is the 20th theatre in Southern Theatres' portfolio and its third theatre located in Texas. AmStar Cinemas 14 Dallas is one of 17 theatres owned by Entertainment Properties Trust in Texas.

For tickets and showtimes, please visit www.thegrandtheatres.com or call 888-94-FILMS.

About Southern Theatres

Southern Theatres, owned and operated by George Solomon, was formed in May of 2002. George has been in the theatre business with his family for more than 50 years and launched Southern Theatres to develop and operate state-of-the art multiplex stadium-seating movie theatres. In April 2005, Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS) made a $30 million equity investment in Southern Theatres. VSS is a private equity and mezzanine capital fund management company dedicated to investing in media, communications and information industries in North America and Europe. Southern Theatres is responsible for the daily operations of The Grand Theatres and AmStar Cinemas in 20 locations with 292 screens in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The company is well positioned for continued expansion in key markets throughout the Southeast. Southern Theatres is proud to be headquartered in New Orleans, LA. For more information, please visit www.thegrandtheatre.com.

About Entertainment Properties Trust

Entertainment Properties Trust (NYSE: EPR) is a specialty real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in properties in select categories which require unique industry knowledge, while offering the potential for stable and attractive returns. Our total assets exceed $2.7 billion and include megaplex movie theatres and adjacent retail, public charter schools and other destination recreational and specialty investments. We adhere to rigorous underwriting and investing criteria, centered on key industry and property level cash flow standards. We believe our focused niche approach provides a competitive advantage, and the potential for higher growth and better yields. Further information is available at www.eprkc.com or from Brian Moriarty at 888-EPR-REIT or [email protected].

SOURCE AmStar Cinemas