Regal Gainesville replacing seats with ‘King Size’ recliners

A Gainesville movie theater is in the process of renovating to offer new luxury seating right before the summer movie season.

The Regal Gainesville Cinema Stadium 14, at 3101 SW 35th Blvd., is replacing its old seats with new recliners, according to a press release from Regal Entertainment Group. The King Size Recliners will be able to adjust to multiple positions. The seats, which will offer individual footrests, are scheduled to be completed in June.

The theater will remain open while the renovation is being completed, according to the release. Two of the new chairs are currently on display for guests to try in the lobby.

Ines Telebak, a 20-year-old UF neurology sophomore, goes to the theater two to three times a month, she said. She figures the new seating might appeal to guests who normally avoid movie theaters altogether.

“You’re usually sitting two hours at a time, and for some people, they can’t stand to sit that long,” she said. “It’ll probably make the experience that much more enjoyable.”

While Telebak has never felt like the seats needed replacement, the addition could draw new business to the theater, she said.

The chairs are not the only upgrade for Regal Gainesville Cinema Stadium 14. Recently, the theater switched from celluloid film to digital cinema, according to the release.

The upgrades are part of a national renovation effort by Regal Entertainment Group called “Lights, Camera, Recline!” Gainesville is one of 14 cities currently planned to receive the upgrade, according to Regal’s website.

The general manager declined to comment on renovation costs, and corporate public relations could not be reached after multiple requests for comment.

Contact Max Chesnes at mchesnes@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter at @chesnesmax