Historic Valley Art Theater celebrates Harkins 75th Anniversary

On Monday, Harkins Theatres celebrates 75 years of Ultimate Moviegoing in Arizona at the Valley Art Theater.  Owner Dan Harkins and Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will honor Arizona’s oldest theater company at Valley Art Theater from 6-8:30 a.m. on Monday.

Dwight ‘Red’ Harkins opened the Valley Art, then called the College Theater, on Mill Avenue in 1938. It was the third Harkins Theatre, the other two were also located in Tempe. In 1934, Harkins played movies on sheets in Tempe Beach Park so people could stay cool and have fun in the summertime.

The Valley Art Theater was named to Tempe’s Historic Property Register and is eligible for the National Register.

Mayor Hugh Hallman said, “Tempeans for three and four generations have been captivated and entertained by the movies at the Harkins Theatre on Mill Avenue – ranging from cutting edge films to classics.  I remember seeing Disney’s ‘Snow White’ as well as the Talking Heads’ “Stop Making Sense” at the Valley Art.  We are proud to now have three Harkins Theatres in Tempe to carry on their historic entertainment legacy.”

Harkins Theatres is the largest family owned theatre chain in the country and the premier movie exhibitor of the Western U.S. operating over 400 screens.

As a thank you to Arizona moviegoers, from Friday, Sept. 26 – Sunday, Sept. 28, all guests of Harkins Theatres locations will receive a scratch and win game card, with the chance to win collectible movie items, iPods, movie tickets, FREE concession coupons and one lucky winner will receive a year’s worth of FREE MOVIES.

“Arizona has always been supportive of Harkins Theatres and the people of this state have been instrumental in our tremendous growth, ” says Dan Harkins, Owner of Harkins Theatres. “We are grateful for the support and the love this community has shown us and are very proud to have been given the opportunity to entertain Arizona for 75 years – and hopefully 75 more.”

During the past 75 years, Harkins has become known for its innovations and signature amenities including:

The Harkins PlayCenter – an in-lobby childcare facility where for only $6, children can play in a safe, secure environment supervised by certified professionals while Mom and Dad watch a movie.

The Harkins Ultimate Rocker® – high back, rocking love seats, wall-to-wall screens and state-of-the-art digital sound technology.

Unprecedented concessions – featuring an enormous menu including hot food selections such as Freschetta pizzas, White Castle cheeseburgers, churros and popcorn chicken.

The Cine Capri – boasting a screen three stories high and over 70 feet wide, towering before 600 high-back rocking chair loveseats. Paying homage to the original Cine Capri that closed its doors in 1998, today’s Capri is featured at Harkins Scottsdale 101 and Harkins Tempe Marketplace and has become the place to see all Hollywood blockbuster films.

For more information, visit www.harkinstheatres.com.