Fiesta Square 16 Needs a Makeover. Badly.
Business can’t be good for the AMC Fiesta Square 16 these days. Since the new state-of-the-art Malco Razorback 12 opened last September, I haven’t stepped foot in the once great Fiesta Square Cinema. And I know I’m not the only one. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to have two large theaters in the Fayetteville area. It’s just that now that I have access to Stadium seating, DLP projection, big, clean screens and a large concession area, I can’t go back.
For years, Fiesta Square was the place to go when you wanted to see a movie. You didn’t go to Razorback 6 unless the movie wasn’t showing anywhere else. My how the tables have turned.
Fiesta Square Cinema is the new Razorback 6… and the new Razorback 12 is, well, awesome.
I have nothing against Fiesta Square 16. In fact, I would prefer to go there as it’s much closer to my house and more centrally located than Razorback 12. But, before I do go back, there are several things they need to do in order to regain not only my patronage, but their dominance in the Fayetteville movie theater market.
#1) First things first: Renovate & update. When you walk into Fiesta Square, you’re bombarded with fluorescent light and an utterly bland décor. That doesn’t get me into the “movie zone” like the Razorback 12’s lobby does. Get rid of the harsh fluorescents, soften the light, redo the flooring, enlarge and update the concession area and clean it up. Really, it just needs to be classed-up a bit. Do that and you’ll impress movie-goers from the get-go.
#2) Ditch the smaller theaters. They’re too small, uncomfortable, and dirty. But, the real problem is that they’re just too freaking small. I mean, my TV at home is almost as big. Yes, I understand that by taking out the small theaters, you would decrease the # of screens available significantly. But, in doing so, you’d gain a few large theaters, which is what people want. I’m hesitant about seeing a movie at Fiesta that’s been out for a couple of weeks because I know that there’s a decent chance it will be showing on a small screen. Small screens are a joke… especially when you pay 8 bucks to catch a movie.
#3) Stadium seating, stadium seating, stadium seating. Got it? One more time for emphasis: Stadium seating. Placing all theater seating on a slight gradient is a thing of the past. Since Razorback 12 opened last September, not once have I worried about sitting behind some big-headed dude or bouffant-sporting lady. Why is that? Razorback 12 has stadium seating. It rules, plain and simple. This is crucial.
#4) Digital projection and sound. Everytime the DLP clip shows at Razorback, a little chill runs up my spine. Why? Because I know there won’t be any scratches, film breakage or bad reel changes. Simply put, a quality DLP picture trounces traditional cellulose film.
#5) IMAX. This isn’t a must, but it would be freaking huge. We do not have a single IMAX theater in the NWA metropolis. If I want to see a movie in IMAX, I have to drive all the way to Tulsa. Throw one of those bad boys in and I will guarantee you that when a good movie comes out and is shown in IMAX, I will be first in line. For serious.
Some other minor things you could do: Have a few adult only and kid-friendly showings. Razorback 12 is really bad about enforcing their policies regarding crying and babbling babies. Just last week I had to get up, walk over to a lady and tell her to take her kid outside. Ridiculous. Who brings a little toddler to see the Dark Knight?
Maybe host a revivalist movie night from time-to-time. There are tons of movies I would pay to see again on the big screen. Razorback 6 used to do it years ago as a dollar movie night and it ruled. Hard. Now, I’m not saying it would have to be a dollar to get in. Four bucks wouldn’t be bad, though.
Anyway, I could go on and on about how to improve the AMC Fiesta Square 16. If the good folks at AMC would at least make #’s 1-4 a reality, they would see a big boost (return) in business… and I would be one of those in line to buy a ticket.
[Update] – An inside source has indicated that Malco may already be planning on dropping an IMAX in Fayetteville. Yeah, boyee! Fingers crossed!
Comments
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jones
July 25, 2008
2 dollar theather. That’s the way to go. I say don’t mess with any of that revamping and upgrading business. That place is a 2 dollar theater through and through. Have the big screen half blockbuster movies, with the small screen half lesser known movies or documentaries or whatever. Provide a more varied movie going experience to contrast with that of the Malco “can’t miss” movies, because there is no competing with Malco for that market, that place rules. I know people will argue that no one will go see these lesser known movies at Fiesta, blah blah blah. I say, give Fayetteville a chance, we may surprise ourselves. **** works in Springfield MO, seems like it’d work here.
But yes, I agree, change the lighting.
JTrain
July 25, 2008
Ted – Exactly.
jones – I’d be down with that also. Maybe they could turn it into a Movie Tavern as well. How rad would that be? Answer: Very, very rad.
prof tango
July 25, 2008
It’s already a $4 theater Monday-Thursday! I saw The Dark Knight at half the cost of the Razorback. I’ll definitely take a bargain over atmosphere. I’d like to see more docs/indie/etc, I just hope this town would turn out in great enough numbers for that kind of thing.
Beebs
July 25, 2008
I like the Movie Tavern idea. Does anyone know what the old Razorback 6 building is going to be besides a gym for that one dude?
Nisc
July 25, 2008
In the Nati, we have a great indie movie theatre and I’ve often dreamed of opening one up in Fayetteville. But I agree with Prof Tango, not sure how many people would want to see L’Auberge Espagnole.
Nisc
July 25, 2008
…in Northwest Arkansas.
unicorn
July 25, 2008
There’s gonna be a car auction and some retail space there.
I’d also like to see a movie tavern, but I they are going to start doing that at the uark, so maybe a dollar theatre? Either way you look at, the fiesta is in need of…something.
JTrain
July 25, 2008
prof tango and Nisc – I’d love to see some more documentaries, indie, foreign and revival films in F-Ville for sure. However, I only think it would succeed on a small scale: 2 or 3 screens tops. As rad as it would be, I just don’t know how big the market in Fayetteville is for that kind of thing. But then again, what do I know?
Aaron
July 26, 2008
Fiesta Square is the only theater locally that does occasionally play the Indies/documentaries. It’s an AMC thing. They make it a priority to show Indies. Right now you can see WHEN DID YOU LAST SEE YOUR FATHER( which is in less than 30 theaters nationally right now) for 4 bucks Monday-Thursday. Also, they usually show the Indies in the better theaters the first week it comes here. When the summer movies aren’t pervading the screens, they usually have 2-3 Indies at Fiesta Square. So keep that in mind. It does play its role. Cheaper movies $4 and Indies each week too.
Check AMC.com each week to see what Indies are playing.
Aaron
July 26, 2008
By the way, What’s the with the movietavern thing maybe happening at the UARK? I haven’t heard that news. Do you have anymore info on that?
osito
July 26, 2008
If Fiesta had courted my loyalty when they were top dog by opening more than one box office and concession line during peak hours, I would go back. They didn’t, and I won’t.
ImBrianAndSoIsMyWife
July 28, 2008
Something like this place would be great: http://www.livingroomtheaters.com/
b33nz
July 28, 2008
I agree with the above posters that it would be nice to have some indie films, etc., and I’d *like* to think that, this being a college town, there’d at least be some minor interest.
As much as I love a fancy and cushy new theatre like the Malco now and again, I believe there’s something to be said for getting to see a movie and being one of, like, 10 people in the whole joint. And at 4 dollars, the price is right for me (you know, ballin’ on a budget). But maybe I think Fiesta Square is now more awesome because I don’t get out much, I tire quickly of crowds full of children and cell phone talkers, and I’m too cheap to pay to go to the “nice” theatre when I can instead be sitting on my couch with Netflix and a bong.
So if not that, then at least I can be stoned at Fiesta Square and feel confident that I won’t run into anyone from work!
Totalbastard
July 28, 2008
The hippie behind the counter at Sidneys in the old UARK knows nothing about a movie tavern.
He did have quite a bit to say about Salvia, however.
unicorn
July 28, 2008
UARK has been in talks with mammoth entertainment to start doing dinner and a movie deals via the Ella’s kitchen staff. I don’t know how much of it is final, but I know they are pretty set on doing it
Totalbastard
July 28, 2008
I think it would be great if the UARK was converted into something like the old Granada in Dallas’ Lower Greenville district.
It doesn’t focus on movies much, but more live performances on the stage, showing some films, and bigtime sports parties.
I watched the Janet Jackson Super Bowl there. Much fun.
Basically its an old converted theater with a few huge screens up on the stage for games, movies, etc. The seating has been converted to table and bar-type seating. Your waitress brings you booze, and they bring in food from the Snuffer’s Menu next door.
I would prefer going to someplace like that to watch games rather than Buffalo Wild Wings.
Grubs draws in the crowds for all kinds of games, even baseball. I think something like that in the old UARK location is a no-brainer considering the college sports interest in this city. Imagine how hard that place would be rocking on SEC football game days when the Hogs are playing out of town, but on TV.
Bubb Rubb
July 28, 2008
Wasn’t there mention on this website that there was to be an IMAX theater in Rogers? Anything more on that front?
Bubb Rubb
July 28, 2008
Sorry, I guess that doesn’t address the Malco 12 situation. Solid ideas from my fellow FF posters though.
JTrain
July 29, 2008
Yeah, a while back there was talk about an IMAX in Rogers. I haven’t heard a peep about it since. Maybe they were just talking big, or maybe it’s still planned. If I find anything else about it, I’ll make sure you know. Word?
scryberwitch
August 10, 2008
Also, they need to change out their popcorn butter. It gives all of us (me, hubby, son) the runs when we eat it. And what good is going to the movies if you can’t have popcorn?
jabbrwok
July 27, 2009
i like the fiesta amc for indie/documentaries, and other lesser known flicks:nobel son, synechdoche, NY. stuff that malco won’t play, or only for a week or two. it is also great if i just can’t convince myself to pay $8+ for a movie that i am just not sure about… large scale renovation doesn’t make sense here, i do not think. they already expanded once in the last 10 years, from 12 to 16 screens, if i remember right… maybe some fixing up would do some good, but how do they do that without compromising business? malco has a lock on things for now, but who knows? after all, malco was the underdof theater for years… but look at it now!
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