Kingsport IMAX theater 'on target' for July 17 opening

Update: This story has been updated to reflect a more accurate seat count for the IMAX theater. KINGSPORT — The Kingsport IMAX theater is expected to open on July 17, according to the latest update from mall property owners. John Mulherin, vice president of government relations for Hull Property Group, shared the news with the Kingsport Economic Development Board during Tuesday's meeting. He said as construction work continues, the developers plan to turn the theater over to IMAX on July 1. From there, the IMAX team will have about two weeks to put final touches on the project. Construction for the new IMAX theater started in August of last year. "We're on target to open up on July 17," Mulherin said. "The big date here is we will turn the building over to IMAX on July 1. IMAX technicians will come in, put in the equipment, the screen. Remember, the screen is the largest IMAX screen in production." Mulherin said the IMAX has to be completed in time for "The Odyssey" movie, which was shot entirely on IMAX Film cameras. "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" also comes out at the end of the same month on July 31. After the hype of the two major blockbusters, Mulherin said NCG Cinema at the mall will be shut down starting Aug. 18 to renovate the existing theater, upgrade auditorium seating and concessions. "Right now we walk into the theater on the right hand side, you buy everything," Mulherin said. "They're going to separate that. They're going to take the point of sale system, move it to the left, where you buy your ticket, buy your drinks and all of that over here. Then the right is going to be the upgraded bar service." Aug. 28 is slated to be the NCG Cinema grand re-opening date, according to Mulherin. KEDB Vice Chairman CeeGee McCord asked about the status of outparcel development at the mall. Mulherin said there has been interest in outparcels, just none have come to fruition yet. "We have had a lot of interest," he said. "I think, again, a few dominoes are going to fall. Once we get this IMAX open, it's going to help us." The official seat count for the theater is expected to be 225, city officials confirmed Wednesday. Mulherin told KEDB in June 2025 that 1,250 square feet was added to the original IMAX theater layout for "proper" viewing. Future of the mall Mulherin said the mall's future looks like large format facilities — such as wholesale clubs — as well as restaurants, big box retail and entertainment. The property group is in talks with a family entertainment company, he shared Tuesday. "We're actually, as we speak, entertaining a family entertainment group currently, that's looking at a very big portion of the lower level of the mall," Mulherin mentioned. "We get that, and that sort of helps us see ourselves as the entertainment venue for the region." He said having the Kingsport Public Library at the mall has been a huge success and hopes the library will establish a branch location there after moving back downtown. Mulherin also stressed the importance of the mall having a regional draw. "It's a big investment," Mulherin said about further plans for the mall. "We think that's the future of the mall, that's a good future for the mall, and something that's going to be sustainable for a long, long time. So we're excited about it."