SALINE, Mich. — A new Emagine Theater is now open for business at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Industrial Drive in Saline, Mich. That’s about eight miles south of Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County. The VIP preview party raised $36,000 for two local charities.
“I’m extraordinary excited about this particular location,” said Paul Glantz, CEO of Emagine Entertainment. “The community has been very, very gracious in the welcoming of us. I think we will have the good fortune of serving this wonderful community with a terrific theater. We were approached last year about taking over the former grocery store. We started building in September and here we are opening on St. Patrick’s Day.”
More than 500 guests attended the VIP preview party on Friday evening. The official ribbon cutting ceremony featured Glantz, Saline Mayor Brian Marl, U.S. Rep. Tim Wahlberg (R), among many other local dignitaries.
“It’s pretty cool, there’s a lot to do,” said attendee Lulu Clossick of Saline. “The theaters are really cool with the seats that recline all the way back. It’s really comfy, actually. The grocery store was nice, but this is so much better. I’m excited that I don’t have to drive 15 minutes to a theater now.”
The evening included performances by The Saline Fiddlers and musician Kimmie Horne. All of the ticket proceeds from the grand opening party were donated to two local organizations: The Foundation for Saline Area Schools and Saline Area Social Service. The two non-profits will split a check for $36,000.
“It’s stunning, it’s amazing,” said attendee Michael Hartmann of Saline. “As soon as you walk in the front door, you recognize it’s a first-class establishment. The proximity is a huge plus for those of us in Saline. We usually drive 15 minutes to the theater on the west side of Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti to the large theater there. This is just the right side with nine theaters here. I was surprised that there’s nine. I think it’s got a lot of huge pluses.”
Nine screens and 1,000 seats are located inside this new Emagine Theater. They all feature fine leather seats that recline with the touch of a button. In addition, seats can be reserved online before arriving at the theater.
“This is a wonderful place,” said Dave Rundle of Saline. “I used to work for Coca-Cola and I opened this store when it was a Farmer Jack. Now, it certainly looks different. It’s a good location for us. We’re only about a mile away. We’re happy something went into this building. It was empty for a long time. I think it will do really well here with all of those amenities. It looks like they have everything you would ever want.”
The theater features an expanded cuisine area with items such as pizza, chicken tenders, nachos, quesadillas and of course, popcorn. They even offer several Coca-Cola Freestyle machines offering 165 different flavors.
“Saline is such a neat city,” said U.S. Rep. Tim Wahlberg (R-Tipton). “To have something like this for families that really appeals to everything that they’d want on their couch at home, but the opportunity to go out and be with people. I think it will draw the community together. I think it will be a destination place for the surrounding communities as well. Anything that promotes jobs, promotes the economy and brings interest to the community, I’m for.”
Opening weekend features include “Kong: Skull Island” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Tickets are $6 for matinees and $10 for movies in the evening.
Visit the new Emagine Theater at 1335 E. Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176. For more information, call (734) 316-5500 or visit their website at emagine-entertainment.com.
