Chief Theater
813 Lincoln Avenue,
Steamboat Springs,
CO
80487
813 Lincoln Avenue,
Steamboat Springs,
CO
80487
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Related Websites
Chief Theater (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Carmike Cinemas
Functions: Performing Arts
Previous Names: Village Theatre, Chief Plaza Cinemas
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
970.871.4791
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News About This Theater
- Sep 6, 2012 — Chief Theater in Steamboat Springs closes
- Sep 3, 2010 — Local group wants to acquire Chief Plaza 4 for arts center
- Dec 7, 2009 — Steamboat Springs' Chief Plaza Theater for sale
The Chief Theatre was the second movie theatre to be built in Steamboat Springs. Built by an Indian Chief from Oklahoma named Harry Gordon, it opened September 23, 1926 as a single screen theatre with 450 seats. The other theatre was the Alden Theatre that closed shortly after the Chief Theatre opened with talking pictures.
It was twinned in 1967 and renamed Village Theatre in May 1969 following a remodel. It was renamed Chief Plaza Cinemas on December 19, 1986. Converted to a four-screen theatre showing first run attractions and operated by Carmike. A third screen was added in 1988 and a fourth screen in 1992. It was operated by Carmike Theatres until it closed as a movie theatre on September 2, 2012.
By 2013 it had converted back to a single auditorium and was operating as a performing arts center named Chief Theater.
Contributed by
Chuck Van Bibber
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Recent comments (view all 9 comments)
This is for sale any info on it?
Just passed by this theater today and it is still for sale. There is a big “For Sale” sign on the marquee. I have to say it looks pretty sad. A 450 seat theater that gets cut up into 4 theaters? It’s got to be terrible. I didn’t get to go in but I did peek in through the doors and it just didn’t look the least bit interesting architecturally.
A local group called Friends of the Chief has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire the theater and turn it into a single auditorium performing arts center. According to this article, Carmike would apparently continue running the theater until their lease runs out in 2012: View link
Carmike is closing the theater as of September 6, 2012 and is removing its equipment: View article
The Chief Theatre is now a performing arts center. website
The Chief Theatre opened on September 23, 1926.
Boxoffice, Feb. 16, 1959: “Bob Smith has sold his interests in the Chief Theatre in Steamboat Springs and the Rio in Oak Creek to Ralph and Rota Hinkson. … Smith joined Joe Ashby as partner 18 years ago and both have operated the theatres continuously since that time.”
Boxoffice, March 14, 1966: “Joe Ashby has sold the Chief Theatre, Steamboat Springs, to George Frick. Ashby, a pioneer in the Denver territory, was RKO exchange manager here (in Denver) before going into exhibition at Steamboat Springs more than 20 years ago.”
Boxoffice, May 12, 1969: “George Frick has changed the name of his Chief Theatre to the Village Theatre following a remodeling job.”
The Village Theater was twinned in 1977, and was renamed the Chief Plaza Cinemas on December 19, 1986. A third screen was added in 1988, followed by a fourth screen in 1992.