Introduction
Going to the movies is an experience that has been enjoyed by people for over a century. From the silent films of the early 1900s to the modern blockbusters of today, movies have captured our imagination and allowed us to escape reality for a few hours. If you live in Morgantown, WV, you have a variety of movie theaters to choose from, each with its own unique history and atmosphere. In this article, we will take a closer look at movie theaters in Morgantown, their history, the top theaters in the area, and what you can expect when visiting a movie theater in Morgantown.
The History of Movie Theaters in Morgantown
The first movie theater in Morgantown opened in 1907 and was called The Opera House. The theater was located on High Street and could seat over 1,200 people. The Opera House showed silent films and featured live music to accompany the films. The theater was a popular destination for residents of Morgantown and the surrounding area, and it continued to operate until the 1930s.
In the 1930s, the era of the “talkies” began, and new movie theaters began to open in Morgantown. The first of these new theaters was the Strand Theater, which opened in 1935. The Strand was located on High Street and had a seating capacity of over 1,000 people. The theater was renovated in the 1950s and became a popular destination for families in Morgantown. Unfortunately, the Strand closed its doors in 1980 and was demolished a few years later.
In the 1960s and 1970s, several new movie theaters opened in Morgantown. The first of these was the Mountainlair Theater, which opened in the Mountainlair student union building at West Virginia University. The Mountainlair Theater showed a mix of first-run and classic films and was a popular destination for students and residents of Morgantown.
Other theaters that opened during this time included the Cinema on High Street and the University Town Center Theater, which is still in operation today. These theaters showed a mix of first-run and classic films and provided a much-needed entertainment option for residents of Morgantown.
The Top Movie Theaters in Morgantown
Today, there are several movie theaters in Morgantown that provide a variety of viewing experiences. Below are some of the top movie theaters in the area.
1. Regal Morgantown Stadium 12
The Regal Morgantown Stadium 12 is located at the University Town Center and features 12 screens showing the latest movies. The theater has stadium seating, digital projection, and surround sound, making it a great place to catch the latest blockbuster. The Regal also offers online ticketing and reserved seating, so you can plan your visit in advance.
2. Carmike Cinemas
Carmike Cinemas is another popular movie theater in Morgantown. Located in the Morgantown Mall, Carmike Cinemas features nine screens showing the latest movies. The theater also offers digital projection, stadium seating, and surround sound, ensuring that you have a great viewing experience. Like the Regal, Carmike Cinemas also offers online ticketing and reserved seating.
3. Mountainlair Theater
The Mountainlair Theater is located on the West Virginia University campus and is operated by the WVU Student Life office. The theater shows a mix of first-run and classic films and is open to both students and the general public. The Mountainlair Theater has a single screen and offers affordable ticket prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious moviegoers.
4. Metropolitan Theatre
The Metropolitan Theatre is a historic theater located on High Street in downtown Morgantown. The theater originally opened in 1924 and underwent a major renovation in the 1990s. Today, the Metropolitan Theatre is a popular venue for live performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows. The theater also occasionally shows classic movies on its large screen.
What to Expect When Visiting a Movie Theater in Morgantown
When visiting a movie theater in Morgantown, there are a few things that you can expect. First and foremost, you can expect a great viewing experience. Most of the theaters in the area offer state-of-the-art digital projection, stadium seating, and surround sound, ensuring that you get the best possible viewing experience.
You can also expect a variety of concessions options. Most movie theaters in Morgantown offer traditional movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and soda, as well as hot dogs, nachos, and other snacks. Some theaters also offer a bar area where you can purchase beer and wine.
Finally, you can expect a comfortable and clean environment. Most movie theaters in Morgantown are modern and well-maintained, with comfortable seats and clean restrooms. Additionally, theaters in the area take COVID-19 safety measures seriously, with enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing measures in place.
Conclusion
Movie theaters in Morgantown offer a great way to escape reality and immerse yourself in the world of cinema. Whether you’re looking to catch the latest blockbuster or enjoy a classic film, there are several theaters in the area that offer a variety of viewing experiences. From the Regal Morgantown Stadium 12 to the historic Metropolitan Theatre, there is a movie theater in Morgantown to suit every taste. So grab some popcorn, find your seat, and enjoy the show!
