Photos: Old Century Park 16 theaters demolished for new Tucson casino
Demolition of the Century Park 16 theaters on Grant Road at I-10 began on Feb. 20, 2023. The theaters closed in 2011, after they were purchased by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
The Century Park 12 opened in October, 1989. At the time, it was the state's largest theater, with 3,600 seats. It replaced the Tucson 5 Drive-In at the same location. It was the fourth indoor, multi-screen operation in Tucson.
Opening night movies included "Rain Man," "Die Hard," "Moonstruck," and "Good Morning, Vietnam."
Century Park expanded from 12 to 16 theaters in 1994. Three domed theaters were added.
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe plans to build the casino on Grant Road, near Interstate 10, where the Century Park 16 theaters once stood.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, left, greets Pascua Yaqui Tribe Chairman Peter Yucupicio and before the demolition of the former Century Park Theater 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Pascua Yaqui Tribe Chairman Peter Yucupicio talks during an event before the demolition of the former Century Park Theater 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero talks during an event before the demolition of the former Century Park Theater 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Adelita Grijalva, chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, listens during to an event to celebrate the demolition of the former Century Park Theater 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Spectators take photos and video as excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the facade of the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Crews from RCD Demolition use excavators to tear down the former Century Park Theater at 1055 W. Grant Road on February 20, 2023.
Century Park 16 movie theaters on November 10, 2021.
An empty parking lot for the closed Century Park 16 Movie Theaters, 1055 W. Grant Road, Tucson, now owned by the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona.
The Tucson 5 Drive-In at 1055 W. Grand Road in 1982. It was opened in 1974, then demolished in the late 80s and replaced by Century Park 16 indoor theaters. They closed in 2011.
Story about the Century Park 12 theaters in 1989.
Photos of construction of the Century Park 12 theaters in October, 1989.
Ad for the opening of Century Park 12 theaters in October, 1989.
Long-time moviegoer Kathy Nichols takes a photo of the lobby area at Century Park 16 movie theaters in January, 2011. The complex closed afterward. Nichols said she was going there about twice a week for the past five years.
People waited in line today for up to an hour for the opening of the re-release of Star Wars in 1997. When the doors finally opened folks were eager to get the best seat.
Keenan 'Darth Maul' Bryson, 17, waits for the 12:30 a.m. showing of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace at Century Park 16 theaters in June, 1999.
Benjamin Peduchi, Ralph T. Lopez, Chris Joel Wilson, and Michael Olivares wait outside the Century Park 16 for the 12:05am showing of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in May, 1999. They arrived at 5 p.m. Century sold out of about 400 tickets each to the 12:05 and 12:30 shows, and scheduled a 12:45 show as a result.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
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The Pascua Yaqui Tribe plans to build the casino on Grant Road, near Interstate 10, where Century Park 16 theaters once stood. A hotel is also planned.
La tribu Pascua Yaqui planea construir el casino en Grant Road, cerca de la Interestatal 10, donde alguna vez estuvieron los cines Century Park 16. También está previsto un hotel en la segunda fase.
