Eastgate Cinemas
5202 High Crossing Boulevard,
Madison,
WI
53704
5202 High Crossing Boulevard,
Madison,
WI
53704
2 people
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This theater, located in eastern Madison, WI, had the style of an old 1970’s movie house with all the trappings of a modern multiplex. The employees wore tuxedos, and each screen had a classic theater name, like Rialto etc. All screens had stadium seating. A lot of effort clearly went into the design and it was a nice spin on the suburban multiplex. It was opened on December 9, 1983 as a quad. In late-December 1985 it became a sixplex. On June 29, 1988 it became a 10-screen theater.
The Eastgate Cinemas was closed April 28, 2015. It was demolished in early-December 2023.
Contributed by
Graham Nelson
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
This opened as a quad on December 9th, 1983
Ad is at View link
10-plex opening (state’s largest) from June 29th, 1988 at View link
My wife and I went to this theater last night and had a very pleasant surprise. Prior to the movie’s starting, a live announcement came on. It was the manager advising everyone not to use cell phones, smart phones, etc. during the movie. He said that if this happened, the offenders would be removed. He added that during the movie, an usher would be observing for any infractions of this rule. Of course, everyone applauded this.
Sure enough, a very tall and wide-shouldered young man in an usher’s uniform occasionally came in and stood quietly at the back of the auditorium.
I’m not sure if this is a general policy of Marcus Theaters or just in effect at this complex. Most welcome, for sure.
On Friday, May 2, Marcus announced the breaking of ground for the new theater complex in nearby Sun Prairie. This should mean the end for the Eastgate once the new complex is open.
http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/marcus-to-break-ground-on-theater-complex-in-sun-prairie/article_0f5f350e-28de-5645-9e3c-e24a0c5f5710.html
The “For Sale” signs have gone up on this property. There are no films scheduled at the Eastgate on the Marcus website after Tuesday, April 28, 2015, which appears to be the closing date. As the Palace in Sun Prairie is scheduled to open 2 days later, they will probably use that time to transfer equipment to the new theatre.
Now officially closed.
First Opened As A Quad On December 9, 1983, Became A 6-Screener In Late December 1985, And Then A 10-Screener On June 29, 1988.
This former theatre complex has remained vacant since 2015 and never repurposed. The current owner has applied to demolish it by October.
This venue’s 70mm presentations history is included in the recently-published article “70mm Presentations in Madison: A Chronology of 70mm Large Format Exhibition, 1984-Present”.
It appears the demolition is likely to come soon. Construction fencing went up around the property this week. All outlots and parking lots are cleared.
Demolition began this week. After 8 years of vacancy and the owners being unable to find a tenant for the awkward structure layout, the site is being cleared fo rdevelopment. My picture in the photo section.