Renovations at the Sterling Theater are nearing completion, promising an enhanced experience for moviegoers. Theater manager Lori VanOosten shared that the upgrades include new flooring and improved seating arrangements, designed to elevate comfort and enjoyment.
Seating and Amenities
Upon the project’s conclusion later this week, each of the theater’s two viewing rooms will boast a total of 165 seats. This includes:
- 20 luxurious recliners
- 117 rocker-back lounge chairs
- 28 seats in a designated tabletop area
The renovation process began with the removal of outdated seating and an asbestos abatement of the tile floors, allowing Brothers Flooring of Rock Falls to install new flooring earlier this month. “This has been on our wish list for years,” VanOosten remarked. “If it weren’t for the American Rescue Plan Act grant funds, this would still be just a dream.”
Grand Reopening and Upcoming Features
The Sterling Theater is set to reopen its doors on Thursday, April 3, with a special pajama party premiere of “A Minecraft Movie.” VanOosten encourages patrons to preorder tickets for this exciting event, which will be screened in both theaters at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Following this premiere, the theater will showcase “The Last Supper” for one weekend only, before transitioning to “The Amateur” the subsequent week.
Ticketing and Seating Arrangements
While the rocker-back lounge chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, the recliners and tabletop area seating will incur a upcharge and will be automatically assigned upon ticket purchase. “We have many patrons who frequently request reservations for the tabletop area,” VanOosten noted. “This new system allows them to secure their preferred seats independently.”
Tickets can be purchased at the theater located at 402 Locust St. or online at sterlingtheaters.com. For further inquiries, patrons can reach the theater at 815-632-3708.
