Huntington Celebrates Opening of New Theater and Pullman Square

By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Columnist

Huntington (HNN) -- Tonight’s the night… for the VIP’s to celebrate!

After nearly 30 years of crude jokes about “super-flop” (err “super-block), the night before the ribbon cutting promises a mixture of awe, jubilation and cautious optimism. A select group of movers, shakers and ordinary people preview Marquee Cinemas Pullman Square 16 at 7:30 pm

The state-of-the-art stadium seating mega-plex features high back chairs, curved, wall to wall screens, and Dolby digital sound from JBL speakers. Each auditorium looks unique with differently colored seats and sound panels ranging from blue to red and purple. The largest auditorium seats 300 and the smallest 75.

Marquee’s concession stands have the familiar popcorn, soda and candy, but also cheeseburgers, pizza, hot dogs and ice cream.

Friday at 11 a.m. Nick Joe Rahall and other dignitaries speak before the ribbon cutting on the first business of the long-awaited entertainment/restaurant/shopping complex.

The opening does not come without uncertainties, particularly the non-leased portions and the lack of retail. Three additional businesses will open before Christmas: Empire Books and News, a 12,500 square foot combination book store and magazine paradise with a wireless internet lounge area, complimentary coffee and a children’s section (Dec. 3); Starbucks (Dec. 9) and Electronic Boutique (video games, Dec. 11).

After a 24-hour rain delay, traffic patterns on Third Avenue between Seventh and 13th Streets have been altered to two-way. Parking rates at the garages range from $1 (0 to four hours) to $3 (for six to 24 hours).

The grand opening includes music and festivities from 10 a.m. to 7 pm Friday and Saturday at the center pavilion of the complex.

Friday, Nov. 19:

  • 10:00 am - 10:30 am: Spring Hill Elementary School Chorus.
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  • 10:30 am – 11:00 am: Huntington High School Band.
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  • 11:00 am: Ribbon-cutting ceremony. Featured speaker will be Rep. Nick J. Rahall II, D-W.Va.
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  • Noon - 12:45 pm: Marshall University Jazz Band
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  • 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Covenant School Chorus
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  • 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Marshall University Choral Group
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  • 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm: Thundertones Barbershop Quartet
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  • 5:00pm - 7:00 pm: Backyard Dixie Jazz Stompers
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Saturday, Nov. 20:

  • 10:15 am -10:45 am: Lindsey Caudell
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  • 11:00 am -11:45 am: Farrah Facemire
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  • Noon - 12:45 pm: Toney Ramey
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  • Noon – 3:00 pm: Free Marshall football tailgate party. TTA buses will shuttle fans to and from the game, which starts at 4:30 pm
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  • 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm: Stephen Salyers
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  • 2:15 pm - 3:00 pm: Jessica Lynn
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  • 3:00 - 5:00 pm: Bi Polar
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  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Backyard Dixie Jazz Stompers