On September 1st, 2024, AMC Ohio Valley Mall officially announced closing its doors. This was a huge shock to Ohio Valley since the theater has been under AMC since 2016, Carmike Theater in 1987, and Cinemette in 1980, according to timesleaderonline.com. In the Ohio Valley, the only other local theater is Marquees Theater in The Highlands in Triadelphia. Although the theater has changed throughout the years, it was a huge community staple. Many people from the community would come to the theater from all around. Now without the theater, a huge part of the mall will be gone.

“I think it’s sad I mean getting the popcorn and getting your snacks is a much better experience for movie lovers, so at least we still have the theater in the highlands but, sadly, we are down another theater,” said film studies teacher, Mrs. Schrebe.

“I’m sad about it closing, I loved going there when I was younger, It’s pretty sad, I think the mall, more than ever, will close more rapidly, a lot more people went there specifically for the theater, and then walked around after, so without that business, it will probably close soon,” said junior, Hadassah Titus-Glover.

“I was saddened to hear it, my little sister, teaches in Bridgeport and had a former student of hers come and tell her because he worked there. I was shocked because it’s been a part of the mall since the mall opened in the 70s and then it was bought by AMC somewhat recently. I guess it was a huge surprise because they let themselves go. It was in somewhat in disrepair. I think there’s going to be jobs lost which is sad and I’m glad we at least have the theater in the highlands and I trust that will probably increase their business” said English department head, Dr. Romick.

“I think it’s really sad that all the theaters and stuff are closing, just because as teens there are not many places for us to go and hang out, maybe like a field somewhere, and taking those memorable teenage experiences like going on your first date to the movies but if you close all the theaters, It’s sad” Said Senior, Alex Fabrizio.

This is a tremendous loss for the Ohio Valley, from jobs to experiences, the AMC theater will be greatly missed. From older Ohio Valley citizens to the younger generation, theaters are huge places to make memories. The nearest theater in the Ohio Valley is Marquees Theater located at 150 Sims Circle, in the Highlands. AMC also has another location at 700 Fort Couch Rd South Hills, PA.  Make sure you support our theaters and watch the latest movies!