Sun-Ray Cinema is moving to Tampa. | Jessica Palombo, Jacksonville Today
Published on November 14, 2024 at 11:16 am
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In a bold new chapter for one of Jacksonville’s beloved theaters, Sun-Ray Cinema announced Thursday it is moving to a different Florida city.
The cinema, known for its unique film selections and atmosphere, will soon open its doors in Tampa.
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“It’s official! We found our next home in Tampa, Florida,” Sun-Ray Cinema announced on social media Thursday.
The new space will feature 10 screens and a massive 4,000-square-foot kitchen — giving fans more room to enjoy the theater’s famed snacks and innovative menu offerings.
Among the theater’s new screening spaces are two large auditoriums, while the remaining eight rooms vary in size, allowing for a diverse lineup of films and events.
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While the Sun-Ray team aims to get things up and running by Thanksgiving, the theater will officially open Dec. 11.
“We hope to turn it around by Thanksgiving then renovate as we operate but definitely will be open by 12/11 just in time for Jozef Van Wissem to perform a score to Murnau’s Nosferatu two weeks before Eggers’ new version opens on Christmas Day,” the announcement said.
Sun-Ray’s new location
Sun-Ray Cinema will be taking the spot of another theater near the University Mall and the University of South Florida.
The cinema encouraged everyone to spread the word, visit the new theater in Tampa and, most importantly, keep the Sun-Ray spirit alive.
Union South Partners, the new owners of the theater’s building in Five Points, is planning $2 million in renovations, and Nashville-based Marathon Live plans to open a new live music venue inside the building.
It will be called FIVE and is scheduled to open in January.
The company behind the new live music venue is also working on a new shared office space in the Rail Yard District called the Workshop at Dennis + Ives.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
