Welcome to BigScreenBiz.com

Hi all. I am new to BSB but not to theater construction. I am a construction
superintendent specializing in theme construction/cinemas,amphitheaters &
casinos. My most recent project was a ground up 12 screen all digital
theater in Florida, next up a 8 screen renovation on the east coast.I have built theaters since 88.I look forward to participating in the BSB forum.

Steve

Welcome Steve. You will probably get a lot of questions from the newbies on this site that are wanting to build or remodel theatres.

Thanks Bob. I have no problems answering questions from newbies or
oldies.

About what did it run to build that 12 screen all digital theater?

5 million

Steve, what did the $5 million include--just the building or the building plus seats and other stuff? How many square feet and how many seats?

Steve, Do you have any experience with reto-fitting flat floor to stadium seating in theatres? Im wondering what the construction costs would be per. Not including seats etc just what it would cost to build out.

5 million covered building everything except;
carpet owner supplied we installed
owner supplied owner installed/ seats, screens,curtains,
concession equipment,projector equipment etc.

FYI labor prices have dropped since this project.

manland price would depend on your ceiling height, if
your ceiling is high enough for stadium seats then that would
be most cost effective, if not can you raise the ceiling enough
to accomidate stadium seats? If you have to lower the floor it
can be done but is expensive.

We have designed and documented a number of projects converting sloped floor auditoriums into stadium seating. Existing ceiling height, and more importantly height to the underside of the existing roof structure will effect how the stadium seating can be developed. In particular, it will determine the seating platform riser heights that can be used (typically 6", 12", or 18"). You must also take into account the height of the existing projection booth and projector port hole. In some cases the booth or projector may have to be raised to accommodate the height of the top seating platform.

To the extent possible, we work with the existing slope of the auditorium, existing ceiling height, and projection booth elevation to minimize construction costs associated with reworking existing conditions.

Steve,

I was wondering if you might have an idea of how much it might cost to completely renovate a six screen slope theater which has been shut down for a few years now and needs a complete upgrade to a state-of-the-art stadium theater (obviously since details are not known, all I am asking for is a ballpark figure)? No equipment involved in the estimated cost, just the building's interior and fixtures (including, not just upgraded plumbing and electrical, but everything that is nailed down/up - such as curtains, stadium seats, carpeting, wall carpeting, lighting, screens and concession stand). I am looking at getting funding for a project in which I would need this type of work done.

Also, do you know how much extra it might cost to turn it into a 7-screen by making one of the two large auditoriums into two smaller auditoriums?

Thank you.

Feel free to PM me About entertainment. I could give you a
ball park number but I need a few more details.
Steve

Hi Steve,

I am about to embark on a new theater project. Three screens with a restaurant. If you would contact me to discuss I would appreciate it and would consider your firm for the project of course.

My name is Russ and you can e-mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Give me a number to contact you and I'll do so promptly.

Russ

Hi,
Definate newbe here...
I have a simple question (brought up by comments in this thread).
,,
Can some one explain what stadium seating is
What sloped floor seating is?
..
I am under the impression that they are essentially the same with the back seats being higher than the front seats..
...
Thanks
Dave

Sloped seating is where the floor slopes from the back of the room to the front. There are no steps to climb or descend to get to any seat.

Stadium seating is where there are different levels for rows of seating. Usually there is one row of seats per each flat level, like in a sports stadium.

Many stadium seating auditoriums also have a flat or possibly sloped area at the front.

And yes, in both cases, the further back the seats the higher they are positioned, but I wouldn't go so far as to say they are "essentially the same." They serve the same purpose but have a totally different aesthetic. Stadium seating can offer superior sight lines, but a sloped floor can provide adequate sight lines as well. People have varying opinions on which they prefer, although most newly built theaters these days seem to include stadium seating.