Rivergate 8

Coate on February 8, 2010 at 10:05 am

<<< *Opened as the Rivergate Twin by Martin Theatres in 1983. In 1985 it was remodeled and became a six screen. Then in 1987 two more screens were added and it became the Rivergate 8. Carmike took over operations in 1985 and is still operating the theatre. * >>>

I’m not sure those dates or screen-count timeline is correct. Can someone please clarify or double-check reliable sources?

I ask because I have notes and newspaper ads indicating “Jaws” ran here in 1975 in what was at least a 4-screener, and that the place was at least a 6-screener in 1984 for “Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom.”

Also, I believe Carmike took over operations of Martin in 1982, not 1985.

davidfhale on November 9, 2011 at 1:47 pm

This theatre was open in 1976 when I moved to Nashville to attend V.U. It was the Rivergate 1&2 (at the mall). Its sister was the Rivergate 3&4 (at the plaza.)

In 1975 Coate’s newspaper ads will probably show the 1&2 (Rivergate Mall) and the 3&4 (Rivergate Plaza) theatres. Again, those were two different theatres.

The Rivergate 3&4 was built by Massey Theatres before Martin bought out the chain. It became the Rivergate 3&4 after the purchase, I don’t know what Massey called it.

I believe the original description is correct in that the twin became a 6-plex, and then eventually an 8-plex.

Other than the Belcourt, this is the only Nashville-area theatre from 1976 that is still operating to my knowledge. The drive-ins are all gone, and many theatres have been built and closed since then.

Chuck1231 on November 9, 2011 at 8:56 pm

David’s link