Downtown’s main movie theater will be undergoing a management change for the second time since it opened 12 years ago in 2001. Nationwide Realty Investors (developers of The Arena District) announced this morning that Dallas-based Studio Movie Grill will be renovating the space currently known as the Arena Grand Theater.

“We are thrilled to have a Studio Movie Grill in the Arena District,” said NRI President Brian Ellis. “This is a great opportunity to enhance the amenities we have in the District for our visitors and residents.”

Studio Movie Grill is a first-run theater with a focus on in-theater dining. The company currently operates 13 theaters across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina and Texas, with the new Columbus theater being their first in Ohio.

“Our new Arena District location will feature an extensive gourmet menu, a two-story bar and lounge, one hundred percent reserved seating, crystal clear Dolby audio, and the best in today’s Christie projection systems for the highest quality movie viewing experience in the city,” said Lynne McQuaker, Director of Public Relations and Outreach at Studio Movie Grill.

The Arena Grand Theater has been operated by Columbus Hospitality Management for NRI since 2007, following the end of the management agreement with original operator Drexel Theater Group. The Arena Grand Theater will close following the showings on Monday, May 27th with Studio Movie Grill slated to open sometime in late summer.

More information can be found online at www.studiomoviegrill.com and www.arenadistrict.com.

ETA: What to do with outstanding Arena Grand Gift Cards?

If you have an unused Arena Grand gift card, we encourage you to use your gift card by May 27. Or you may send your unused gift card with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Columbus Hospitality Management,

Attention: Arena Grand

33 E. Nationwide Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43215

by August 31, and we will exchange the balance of your Arena Grand gift card for an Arena District gift card valid at participating District bars and restaurants.