Merle Hay Mall Movie Theater: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future

## Introduction

The Merle Hay Mall movie theater has been serving the Des Moines community for over 50 years. What began as a single-screen cinema has grown into a vibrant entertainment complex, offering a variety of movie-going experiences. However, the theater's history has not been without its challenges. In recent years, the theater has faced growing competition from streaming services and other forms of home entertainment. Despite these challenges, the Merle Hay Mall theater remains a popular destination for moviegoers.

## The History of the Merle Hay Mall Movie Theater

The Merle Hay Mall theater opened its doors in 1968. The original theater had a single screen with a capacity of 1,000 people. The theater quickly became a popular destination for moviegoers, and within a few years, it was expanded to include two additional screens. In the 1980s, the theater was remodeled to include a new sound system, new seats, and a new concession stand.

In the 1990s, the theater was again expanded to include four additional screens. The theater also began to offer a variety of special events, such as midnight movies, sing-alongs, and movie marathons.

In recent years, the theater has faced growing competition from streaming services and other forms of home entertainment. However, the theater has adapted to the changing landscape by offering a variety of new amenities, such as reserved seating, in-theater dining, and a bar.

## The Present of the Merle Hay Mall Movie Theater

Today, the Merle Hay Mall theater is a vibrant entertainment complex, offering a variety of movie-going experiences. The theater has a total of 12 screens, including a large-format IMAX screen. The theater also has a variety of amenities, such as reserved seating, in-theater dining, and a bar.

The theater offers a wide variety of movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films. The theater also hosts a variety of special events, such as midnight movies, sing-alongs, and movie marathons.

## The Future of the Merle Hay Mall Movie Theater

The future of the Merle Hay Mall movie theater is bright. The theater is well-positioned to continue to be a popular destination for moviegoers for many years to come. The theater is located in a convenient location, and it offers a variety of amenities that appeal to moviegoers. The theater also has a strong track record of providing a high-quality movie-going experience.

Here are some of the trends that are likely to shape the future of the Merle Hay Mall movie theater:

• The continued growth of streaming services. Streaming services are becoming increasingly popular, and they are likely to continue to impact the movie theater industry. However, movie theaters still offer a unique experience that cannot be replicated at home.
• The increasing popularity of premium movie formats. Premium movie formats, such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, offer a more immersive movie-going experience. These formats are likely to become more popular in the future.
• The rise of in-theater dining. In-theater dining is becoming increasingly popular, and it is likely to continue to grow in the future. This trend is driven by the desire for a more convenient and luxurious movie-going experience.

## Conclusion

The Merle Hay Mall movie theater has been a fixture in the Des Moines community for over 50 years. The theater has adapted to the changing landscape of the movie industry, and it remains a popular destination for moviegoers. The theater is well-positioned to continue to be a successful business for many years to come.

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