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Home » Theater Guide » Location » United States » Texas » Austin » Varsity Theater

Varsity Theater

Austin, TX
2402 Guadalupe Street
, Austin, TX 78705 United States
(map)
Status: Closed
Screens: Twin
Style: Art Deco
Function: Retail
Seats: 1029
Chain: Unknown
Architect: Unknown
Firm: Unknown
Add a photo for this theater!
I don't know much about it's history, but the Varsity Theater used to be a theater at the corner of Guadalupe and West 24th Street in Austin. Since closing, it was a Tower Records for years and it is now in other retail use.

If anyone knows the history of the theater, please update this description.
Contributed by Nick Littlejohn

YOUR COMMENTS

 
The address for the Varsity Theatre was 2402 Guadalupe Street, Audstin, Tx.
posted by Chuck1231 on Sep 17, 2004 at 6:06pm
The Varsity originally had only one screen when it opened on November 20, 1936. The balcony was converted into a second screen in the 70's I believe. The original sign (no longer there) was nearly 40 feet tall. It was built by the Interstate Circuit chain, under the direction of Interstate's city manager, Louis Novy. The first film it showed was "The Texas Rangers". It was a large event locally, complete with a radio broadcast of the opening ceremonies. In addition, the Austin American Statesman ran a congratulatory section for two days about the Varsity. It was considered exceptionally modern by the locals and Austin's first suburban theater--the Austin American Statesman called it "the new as tomorrow" theater.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet been able to locate any information about the architect. Will let you all know when I do.
posted by Laura.McGuire on Nov 22, 2004 at 10:06pm
This was a popular theater on "The Drag" when I was at UT in the '70s. I seem to recall its being mainly a revival house. I do not remember its having a second balcony screen during the '70s.
posted by rorysa on Dec 12, 2004 at 12:37am
Some Vintage photos of the Varsity.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/VarsityTheatreEntranceAustinTx.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/VarsityTheatreAuditoriumAustinTx.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y147/Chuck1231/Texas%20Theatres/VarsityTheatreConcessionStandAustin.jpg
posted by Chuck1231 on Sep 4, 2005 at 3:25pm
This is a photo of the Varsity theater in Austin.
posted by Lost Memory on Feb 28, 2006 at 5:58am
Here is a lobby photo of the former Varsity theater.
posted by Lost Memory on Mar 26, 2006 at 7:16am
Sounds like it is gone. Look at the comments shown on the photo posted by Lost Memory Feb 28, 2006.

posted by Life's too short on Mar 26, 2006 at 7:58am
Tower Records is located in what was once the Varsity Theatre.
posted by Chuck1231 on Mar 26, 2006 at 8:46am
This is a photo of the former Varsity Theater auditorium.
posted by Lost Memory on Mar 28, 2006 at 2:16pm
Here is another photo:
http://tinyurl.com/lm3co
posted by ken mc on Apr 25, 2006 at 4:00pm
This is a recent photo of the former Varsity Theater.

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 26, 2007 at 2:59pm
The Varsity had a few notable first runs, like Easy Rider and 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was the date night movie house for UT in the 60's when I was at UT.
posted by GrinBear on Aug 17, 2007 at 7:26pm
A 1990 view of the Varsity Theater in Austin.
posted by Don Lewis on Apr 15, 2008 at 1:37pm
Here are two 1984 photos:

Photo1

Photo2

posted by Lost Memory on Apr 28, 2009 at 6:38pm
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