Kingsport's IMAX debut set for July 16

KINGSPORT — Kingsport's own IMAX theater will officially open on July 16, according to a news release. The Neighborhood Cinema Group made the announcement Thursday, a week before the 225-seat theater is set to welcome patrons. Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" will be the first movie showcased on the 70-feet-by-40-feet IMAX screen. "IMAX with Laser is set apart by its 4K laser projection system featuring a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technology that delivers crystal clear images, increased resolution, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colors ever available on-screen," the release states. "The new experience also features next generation IMAX precision sound, delivering greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion." There are two showings scheduled for the IMAX viewing of "The Odyssey," for July 16: one at 3:35 p.m. and another showing at 7:10 p.m. that day. The NCG Cinema Kingsport website shows as of Thursday afternoon that more than 130 tickets have already been purchased for opening day. The Kingsport Chamber will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on July 17. NCG Cinema Kingsport is located at 2101 Fort Henry Drive as part of the Fort Henry Mall. Background Construction for the IMAX theater started on Aug. 20, 2025. Nearly 11 months later, the project has reached its final stages and is ready for public use. The IMAX has been a long time coming, with the initial announcement from Hull Property Group dating back to October 2023. Before that, previous theater runners had also tossed around the idea of bringing an IMAX to Kingsport. The Times News previously reported that the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved almost $2.8 million in incentives for development of the now-open Rural King, IMAX theater and upgrades to NCG Cinema back in November 2023 — as well as a portion was said to be used to provide new sewer to help with outparcel development at the mall. Gemini Construction Co. was selected to lead the project, with RLS Design Group as the architects and CainRashWest as the civil engineers. At the groundbreaking ceremony last year, Gemini Construction Company President Rob Johnson said his team would also be partnering with Blalock Building Group who has experience building those types of theaters. Hull Property Group Vice President John Mulherin previously said inflation and cost overruns pushed the project over budget, ultimately causing delays in the original timeline for opening. After the first month of IMAX's local operation, Mulherin previously told the Kingsport Economic Development Board that NCG Cinema is expected to shut down starting Aug. 18 to renovate the existing theater by upgrading all auditorium seats to luxury and improving concession offerings. He said, at the time, Aug. 28 was slated to be the theater's re-opening date after the full-theater refresh. For the latest information on the theater, visit ncgmovies.com/movie-theater/kingsport.