New entertainment complex to open in downtown Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Kentucky Theater is home to the only two movie screens in downtown Lexington right now, but next summer they could be competing with 12 more large screens. One of those is expected to be measure 100 feet.

A new entertainment complex is on the way to becoming a reality, and will hold more than just a movie theater.  The complex also boasts plans for a 16-lane bowling alley, a restaurant, sports bar, and a  laser tag arena. The project will be built at the corner of Broadway and High, right across from Rupp Arena, and connect to the Central Bank parking garage.

This will give the historic Kentucky Theatre some downtown competition. But Fred Mills, manager of the Kentucky Theater, says he has seen plenty of movie theaters open and close in Lexington over his 50 years working there, and says his customers have always been loyal.

"When a new business opens and you have some competition, everyone’s excited about that new business, and they go and then things sort of shake themselves out," says Mills.

The project is currently in the permitting phase, but builders hope to begin construction this summer, aiming for an opening in the summer of 2016.