Phoenix Theatres Celebrates Grand Opening

 

Phoenix Theatres Celebrates Grand Opening at Governor’s Square Mall with Luxury Movie Going

New Phoenix Theatres Launches with Premium Tech, Affordable Prices in Clarksville

 

By Mark Haynes

Friday, May 23, 2025   Clarksville Online

 

Cory Jacobson, Owner of Phoenix Theatres, cuts the ribbon and officially opens Phoenix Theatres Governor’s Square Mall. (Mark Haynes, Clarksville Online)

Clarksville, TN – A new era of cinema has arrived in Clarksville as Phoenix Theatres celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its newest location at Governor’s Square Mall on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. The Michigan-based theatre chain officially welcomed the public to its state-of-the-art multiplex, offering a premium moviegoing experience designed to immerse, excite, and redefine what local audiences can expect from a night at the movies.

“This theatre is phenomenal. I’ve taken the tour, and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s going to be a great addition to Clarksville. They really rolled out the red carpet for us tonight—it’s fantastic,” said Melinda Shepherd, Executive Director of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re here tonight to celebrate and congratulate Phoenix Theatres on the opening of their brand-new facility. Corey, I can confidently say this is the largest turnout we’ve ever had for a ribbon cutting. As you walk into the theater tonight, you’ll immediately see the level of investment Phoenix Theatres has made in Clarksville. We’re excited to enjoy many days and weeks of great films in this beautiful new space. This kind of investment also plays a big role in enhancing the quality of life in our community. So, thank you for believing in Clarksville. At the Chamber, we have a saying: ‘Stronger together.’ And with the investment Phoenix Theatres has made here, it truly helps strengthen our community,” said Mike Rainey, Chair of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

No grand opening would be complete without the electrifying sounds of the Montgomery Central High School marching band performing the Mission: Impossible theme and a high-energy appearance by the spirited Central Cheerleaders!

With ten fully renovated auditoriums, Phoenix Theatres brings cutting-edge features to Clarksville’s growing entertainment scene, including Dolby Atmos in five of its largest auditoriums—a first for the region. This technology provides a spatial audio experience that surrounds the audience in three-dimensional sound, delivering the most immersive audio available in cinema today.

“I think audiences are going to experience a level of immersion in film like never before. The Dolby Atmos auditoriums—it’s like stepping into Disney World for me. When we saw this technology, we knew it was something special, and we had to bring it to our theaters. We really love the Clarksville market, which is why we made our largest investment in Dolby Atmos here. We typically install four Atmos screens, but in Clarksville, we added a fifth because we saw the opportunity and believed the community deserved it. This is something brand new for the area, and I truly hope people are as excited about it as we are,” said Cory Jacobson, Owner of Phoenix Theatres.

Each of the ten auditoriums is equipped with 100% heated, fully reclining love-seat style chairs, offering an expansive 75 inches of legroom and adjustable armrests for maximum comfort. Reserved seating is available through the Phoenix Theatres mobile app and website, allowing guests to pick their favorite seats before arrival.

The five larger auditoriums—which seat around 144 guests each—offer the full Dolby Atmos + 4K Christie® Digital Projection experience, delivering razor-sharp visuals and dynamic audio. These rooms feature a sophisticated ‘Black Box’ design, using black acoustical drapes, absorptive paneling, black carpeting, and seating to eliminate reflections and distractions. With over 36 strategically placed speakers, including seat-integrated subwoofers, viewers are quite literally surrounded by the action.

“It’s like stepping into a different world,” said one opening night guest. “You can feel every explosion, every whisper—it’s a whole new level of cinema.”

Beyond the viewing experience, Phoenix Theatres prioritizes convenience and customer service. The lobby features a combined ticketing and concession line, making it easy for guests to grab snacks and tickets in one place. In addition, guests can enjoy self-serve Pepsi fountains and butter stations, ensuring quick service without long waits.

“As the landlord, we’re proud to welcome Corey and the entire Phoenix team to Clarksville. This is an outstanding event, and it’s going to be a tremendous asset to the community. The transformation from the previous theater operator has been remarkable. I strongly encourage everyone to come check it out—it’s a completely new experience, from the seats to the sound to the video. Everything is brand new, and it’s exactly what this community deserves,” said Anthony Cafaro, Co-President of the Cafaro Company.

Another standout feature? The family-friendly pricing. Despite the luxury amenities, Phoenix Theatres aims to keep costs accessible, offering premium experiences without the premium price tag.

Thomas Locke, Marketing Director for Governor’s Square Mall, emphasized the importance of the theater’s arrival: “This brings personality and quality to Clarksville’s cinema experience. It’s affordable, immersive, and privately owned—which means they really listen to the community. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Montgomery Central High School Marching Band and Cheerleaders. (Mark Haynes, Clarksville Online)

Phoenix Theatres at Governor’s Square Mall marks a major step in the mall’s revitalization and a significant addition to the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings. Whether you’re catching the latest blockbuster or enjoying a night out with the family, the new theater promises a cinema experience unlike any other in the region.

For tickets, showtimes, and seat reservations, visit www.phoenixmovies.net or download the Phoenix Theatres app.

 

 

Phoenix Theatres to Relaunch Movies at Governor’s Square Mall

 

Media Contacts

Joe Cork – Phoenix Theatres

248-478-7170

jcork@phoenixmovies.net

 

Joe Bell – Cafaro Company

330-747-2661

jbell@cafarocompany.com

 

Phoenix Theatres to Relaunch Movies at

Governor’s Square Mall

 

Michigan-Based Company Invests $5 Million to Bring Back First-Run Films with First-Class Amenities, to include 5 theatres featuring Dolby ATMOS

 

Clarksville, Tennessee, October 2, 2024 – Movies are returning to Governor’s Square Mall as Phoenix Theatres has signed a long-term lease to bring first-run movies and first-class amenities back to Governor’s Square Mall, including theatres equipped with Dolby ATMOS®.

 

The 24-year-old independently owned movie theatre company plans to invest $5 million to refurbish the 10-screen theatre, creating a new premiere movie-going experience in the greater Clarksville area. Renovation plans have been submitted for the 42,312-square-foot building, which will feature all-new premium reclining heated seating, 4K laser digital projection, Dolby ATMOS, first-run movies and family-friendly pricing.

 

The Governor’s Square Mall location marks the 79th screen for Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres, which operates theatres in Michigan, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Ohio. This is the first location in Tennessee for Phoenix Theatres, which expects to welcome its first Governor’s Square Mall moviegoers in summer of 2025.

 

“This announcement signals another major quality-of-life enhancement for our city’s residents, and visitors, alike,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. “The enjoyment of watching a first-run movie in a premier, comfortable, first-class setting is returning to our primary regional shopping center, Governor’s Square Mall, through the much-welcomed investment from Phoenix Theatres.”

 

Cory Jacobson, president of Phoenix Theatres, says the company was fortunate to be considered for the opportunity at Governor’s Square Mall and looks forward to bringing the brand’s own unique amenities to the greater Clarksville community. This is our third location in a Cafaro Company owned mall, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with them for the past 18 years.

 

Anthony Cafaro, co-president of The Cafaro Company, echoed a similar sentiment. “Our company and Phoenix have enjoyed a close working relationship for many years.  As a result, we’ve been able to establish outstanding, state-of-the art cinematic experiences at our shopping complexes in Michigan and Iowa.   This is a partnership that truly brings tremendous value to the communities we serve.”

 

“Phoenix was originally formed with the idea of refurbishing closed theatres in viable retail areas and returning well-operated neighborhood theatres to their respective communities,”
explained Jacobson. “We are very pleased with the vibrancy of the mall and the exceptional mix of retail. After exploring the city, we felt very much at home in the culture of the community.”

 

As a reflection of what residents can expect, Phoenix Theatres offers the following amenities:

 

  • Every seat in every auditorium will be a large loveseat-style (with adjustable middle armrest), fully reclining, heated chair with ample of leg room.
  • Specially formatted auditoriums featuring Dolby ATMOS for a premium, immersive, audio experience and 4K Christie® Digital Projection.
  • All 10 auditoriums will be equipped with premium Dolby Digital sound and Christie

Digital Projection.

  • Phoenix mobile app and online tickets that allow customers to reserve their seats easily.
  • Self-serve Pepsi® and butter stations for added service speed and convenience.
  • Combined ticketing and concession purchases in one line.
  • Family-friendly prices.

 

“We deeply appreciate what they are bringing to our community, and we know that local movie-goers are in for a real treat with their advanced theatre features and the overall scope of the project,” Mayor Pitts said.

 

Jordan Hohman, vice president of project development for Phoenix Theatres, shared that the company focuses on providing premier amenities along with the little details that large national theatre chains cannot provide at a local level. “We were one of the first in the United States to offer 100 percent-reclining seating in every auditorium. Our goal is to offer the highest-quality first-run movie-going experience by offering state-of-the-art digital projection and Dolby ATMOS audio for the first time in Clarksville, along with comfortable luxury amenities.”

 

“We are thrilled to continue to work with Phoenix Theatres and support their ongoing commitment to Dolby ATMOS presentations. They are committed to bringing a first-class presentation to the community and having auditoriums equipped with Dolby ATMOS will ensure a premium, immersive audio experience,” said Michael Archer, vice president worldwide cinema sales at Dolby.

 

 

About Phoenix Theatres

Michigan-based Phoenix Theatres was founded in 2000 and has four Michigan theatres in Wayne, Monroe, Livonia and Grand Rapids. Four theatres are located out of state in Dubuque, Iowa, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and two Ohio theatres located in Defiance and North Olmsted. Governor’s Square will mark the company’s 79th theatre screen and first location in Tennessee. For more information, visit PhoenixMovies.net.

 

About Governor’s Square Mall

Governor’s Square Mall, a 805,000 square-foot shopping center, offers the greater Clarksville area a wonderful mix of family-friendly indoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. Located just 45 miles from Nashville, Governor’s Square Mall is anchored by Dillard’s, JCPenney, Belk, Burlington, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Dave & Buster’s. The center features a mix of national and local brands. For more information about Governor’s Square Mall, visit governorssquare.net.

About The Cafaro Company
The Cafaro organization, based in Niles, Ohio, is one of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers. Founded by the late William M. Cafaro in 1949, the firm is now in its eighth decade and third generation as a family owned and managed business. Over the years, Cafaro-affiliated companies have developed, owned and managed more than 30 million square feet of commercial real estate in 14 states.  For more information about the Cafaro organization, visit online at www.cafarocompany.com.