Alamo Drafthouse Cinema continues to expand with the announcement of their first Arkansas theater, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema + Drive-In in Fayetteville with franchise partner Catchlight Entertainment. The Austin-based cinema-eatery plans to open the doors on their new theater in 2024 and will commemorate the announcement with an eventized Rolling Roadshow screening of Universal Pictures’ COCAINE BEAR on February 23rd. This will not only be their first planned location for the state, it will be the company’s first permanent drive-in theater.

“Our mission at Alamo Drafthouse is to preserve, celebrate, and innovate the cinema experience,” says Alamo Drafthouse CEO Shelli Taylor. “Drive-in theaters deeply influenced the Alamo Drafthouse preshow, programming, and design from the very beginning, but we have never managed to incorporate a permanent drive-in into any of our theaters. We are beyond excited to launch the first Alamo drive-in screen in Fayetteville!”

In addition to the drive-in screen, the new location will feature 798 luxury recliner seats across 8 theaters equipped with 4k digital projection, including The Big Show, Alamo Drafthouse’s Premium Large Format theater with Dolby Atmos sound and 70mm projection capabilities. The 38,000 sq. ft. cinema will be located at The Aronson, an upcoming mixed-use development from developer Catchlight Entertainment. Like all Alamo Drafthouse cinemas, the new Fayetteville location will offer a scratch-made food menu, local beers on draft, and craft cocktails brought to guests in their seats by stealthy servers trained to not disrupt the movie experience. Speaking of not disrupting the movie, the cinema chain’s famed No Talking/No Texting policy will be in effect at the location to ensure guests can watch films free from annoying distractions. Guests are encouraged to arrive up to 30 minutes early to screenings for an ad-free preshow with funny clips, informative video essays, and more. Drafthouse is in the name for a reason, and guests will be able to enjoy a cold drink and chatting with other movie fans at the cinema’s standalone bar and beer garden. The bar will have dozens of beers on tap, craft cocktails, and will be set up to host small events, parties, and screenings. Guests can also hang out in the spacious beer garden with a view of the drive-in screen.

“This is more than the best movie theater in Arkansas – we’re planning the best cinema destination in America,” said Catchlight’s Dave Anderson. “Fayetteville will be home to the absolute pinnacle of experiential moviegoing, pairing what is already known as ‘the best theater in the world’ with the area’s beloved drive-in roots. Even better, it will all anchor The Aronson, a premiere entertainment community coming in 2024.”

“Cocaine Bear” Drive-In Screening
Alamo Drafthouse will commemorate the announcement with a special Rolling Roadshow screening of Universal Pictures’ “Cocaine Bear” from director Elizabeth Banks on Thursday, February 23rd. The event will feature an outdoor screening of “Cocaine Bear” with a live intro from Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse Founder and Executive Chairman. Guests will also enjoy bear-themed props, food and drinks from Fossil Cove Brewing Co., T-Boys BBQ, and Meaux Beignet, costumed guests, and a special photo opportunity with a real (stuffed) bear.

The Drive-In
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema + Drive-In pays homage to the beloved 112 Drive-In that audiences long flocked to at this location. The giant outdoor screen will rise from the south corner of the property where guests can watch films under the stars from the comfort of their own cars, cyclist seating or the cinema’s outdoor beer garden. In keeping with the cinema’s commitment to delivering the “Best Film, Food, and Fun All In One Seat,” Alamo Drafthouse’s entire scratch-made food menu will be available for delivery to guests at their vehicles. In addition to the latest first run films, guests can expect to see drive-in favorites, cult classics, and other beloved repertory films on the outdoor screen.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema + Drive-In Signature Programming
In addition to showing all the latest blockbusters, indie films, and gems from around the world, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema + Drive-In will continue the exhibitor’s long tradition of repertory programming and memorable live events. Guests can look forward to interactive Movie Parties of classic films complete with games and props, such as their famous ELF Movie Party which saw guests packing theaters throughout the holiday season, brunch screenings with a specialty menu of mid-morning favorites, specialty series like Terror Tuesday and Weird Wednesday celebrating the best of genre filmmaking, and Live Q&A events with filmmakers, actors, and more.

About Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Founded in 1997, Alamo Drafthouse has been heralded for unique programming events, great food and drinks, and high exhibition standards, earning accolades including “Best Theater Ever” by Time Magazine and “The Coolest Theater in the World” by Wired. A September 2018 Market Force Information survey of nearly 13,000 moviegoers across the country gave Alamo Drafthouse the #1 ranking for Favorite Movie Theater, Best Service, and all food and beverage-related categories.

Alamo Drafthouse provides a unique combination of theater and restaurant, showing first-run movies, independent films and special events with an extensive menu made from scratch. Guests order all food and drinks from servers who quietly attend to them throughout the movie from inside the theater. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Instead of a barrage of advertising, Alamo Drafthouse shows a curated collection of rare and humorous clips themed to each feature.

Additionally, Alamo Drafthouse protects the theatrical experience with a zero tolerance policy for people who disrupt the film with talking or texting. Alamo Drafthouse’s “Don’t Talk” PSAs have frequently received national attention, and have featured former Texas Governor Ann Richards, Jeff Goldblum and a velociraptor, Georgie from IT, THE ROOM director and star Tommy Wiseau, and one very angry voicemail.