It’s been just a little over a year since the Eclipse Theaters project was announced to open on Third Street between Gass and Hoover Avenues, but the wait is nearly over. The finishing touches are being installed, and after the City of Las Vegas signs off on this week’s inspections, the valley’s newest cineplex will open—likely early to mid-next week, says executive director Ryan Stock. Here’s what you can expect:
Premium perks. Eclipse is no Cinemark or AMC suburban enormo-plex. Each of its eight theaters comes with pairs of reclining leather seats—which you’ll choose during the ticket purchase—with built-in cupholders, moveable arm rests for snuggling and call buttons that beckon servers ready to take food and/or drink orders. Which means while you’ll still want to get to the theater 15-30 minutes before movie start time, you can head straight to your seat and place your beer, popcorn, candy, etc. orders right at your seat—and hold open the tab throughout the entire screening.
Which means ... premium ticket prices. Upscale amenities mean you’ll pay $18 for primetime showings and $16 for matinees. Tickets will be available at the concierge desk or digital kiosks at the downstairs lobby, or online at eclipsetheaters.com (which can be redeemed on your phone). There will also be a customer loyalty program: a free Silver Star membership and a premium Gold Star one that comes with more perks. Looking for another way to save some dough? You can currently buy a $100 Eclipse gift card for $80.
A place to hang out. If you arrive well before your movie begins, or would like to chat with your companions about the movie afterward—or don’t have a ticket but just want to drink or nosh—you can hang out at the bar or adjacent lounge (which features northward views of Downtown), where you can also order one of 10 signature cocktails, 16 beers and numerous glasses of wine (some of which are available by the bottle) as well as appetizers, flatbreads, sliders and more, made in house by former Bradley Ogden (Caesars Palace) chef Robert Neese.
Going Rogue. Though Eclipse must first purchase the rights to screen it, a partnership with Walt Disney Pictures means the new movie house will very likely feature Rogue One: A Star Wars Story when it opens on December 16.
Coming attractions. Alternative programming—indie flicks, sporting-event broadcasts, cultural fare and other special events—will be determined once Eclipse gauges customer interest. And last year, theater brass told the Weekly it was exploring the possibility of hosting screenings for the Las Vegas Film Festival. That being said, the focus for the immediate future will be on mainstream, wide-release movies. Also: There may or may not be 3D presentations—“[Sometimes] we find that the clientele doesn’t prefer to see movies in 3D,” Stock says—but if they happen, their ticket costs will not increase like they do at other theater chains.
Private screenings—sort of. If you’ve got nine other pals and an extra $300-$500 for food/beverage minimums, you can also rent a private, soundproofed VIP booth in one of the first two auditoriums—so you can drunkenly whoop and holler at Darth Vader without people calling security on you.
Ah yes, parking. Stock says there will be limited free parking both onsite and at least one nearby lot (to be designated soon). Currently, the surrounding streets limit free parking to two hours, but only before 6 p.m. Paid valet service is also forthcoming.
