By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
There will be no more cheap movie dates in Bowling Green.
The Cinemark Cinemas at Woodland Mall sent the mall management a letter saying the long-time movie theater was closing down.
“After 31 years as a tenant at the Woodland Mall, the cinema will be closing the doors,” mall management reported on Facebook. “This is such sad news for the mall, the cinema staff and our customers.”
While the loss of the theaters will hurt, the mall is not dead, according to the post from management.
“First let me say that we all know that the mall has lived its glory days. The mall struggles but we are still alive and have several amazing tenants and events (after Covid) that many from the community still love. Covid-19 has hurt a lot of businesses, finances, relationships, mental health and security. But we are all amazing fighters and we will prevail,” the post stated.
The movie theater, with its five screens, has been a steady draw to patrons and a site for inexpensive movies.
“This is the cheapest theater around,” said a person in the mall management office on Wednesday afternoon. While other cinemas in the Toledo area charge as much as $15 per person, the Woodland Mall theater still had some viewings for as cheap as $3.
“You can’t beat $3,” he said.
Though the exact date of Cinemark’s departure from the mall is unknown, the person in the mall office said it appeared that furnishings were already being removed from the theater.
To quell any rumors, the mall management posted the communication it received from Cinemark Corporate.
“As a result of the outbreak of SARS-CoV2 coronavirus and associated COVID-19 disease, Cinemark hereby informs you that as the date of this letter we will be vacating the premises and returning possession of the premises to landlord,” the letter from Cinemark stated.
“Cinemark does not make this decision lightly, but given the unprecedented and tragic circumstances, Cinemark has made this difficult decision,” the statement continued. “As you are aware, Cinemark faced a particularly acute challenge stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak due to the various local, state and federal mandates specifically requiring the closure of public motion pictures. While such mandates were wise and prudent given the situation, it unfortunately resulted in economic hardships for Cinemark that ultimately led to this decision. Cinemark has enjoyed serving this community over the years and appreciates the landlord’s efforts in connection with the Woodland Mall.”