Stadium Seating Offers the Best Seat in the House

With so many advances in home theater equipment, low-priced movie rental options, and exciting new bonus features included with DVDs, the cineplexes had to do something to keep all those seats occupied - so they decided to change all those seats. Now for the feature presentation: Stadium-style seating, where the audience can enjoy movie magic in seats more comfortable and convenient than in most homes.

New and upgraded theaters may include up to 30 screens, electronic ticketing, gourmet concessions, high-tech sound systems, wall-to-wall screens, rocking chairs, high-backed plush seats, lower lumbar support, extra leg room and retractable armrests that fold up for more efficient snuggling.

Over the past few years, stadium seating - which features stair-step tiers as opposed to sloped floors - has become a popular trend in theater construction and renovation in larger cities across the country. Large theaters with stadium seating often spring up in and around shopping malls, which makes it easier to shop until you drop...into a plush high-backed chair to watch a movie.

This seating allows an improved field of vision because each row is significantly elevated (usually ranging from 12 inches to 18 inches) from the row in front of it, obviating the fear that a big-haired movie-goer will nestle down in front of you during opening credits.

This trend in theater design has several important benefits:

o Stair steps ensure clear sight lines to the screen from every seat regardless of height.

o Late arrivals can sit anywhere they want without blocking someone's view or taking seats where their view is blocked.

o Retractable arms are convenient for couples who want to cuddle.

o Extra leg room provides more comfort for the tall and the squirmy.

o Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with back injuries will appreciate seats with extra lumbar support.

o Disabled patrons also have improved sight lines and more room to maneuver wheelchairs.

o Stadium seating costs no more than regular seating for patrons because the cost is made up to the theater with longevity and volume.

Yes it's wonderful to enjoy the comforts of home with a table full of munchies while you're snuggled up with pillows, blankets, and a just-released date movie on DVD. Or maybe you really want to watch that independent film at the local art house. But for the first-run, special effects big screen blockbusters, theaters with stadium seating will offer you the best seat in the house every time.

Copyright 2006 Leslie Halpern

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