Well, unfortunately for all us Wichita movie fanatics, the town is losing one of oldest theaters in town, The Palace. This theater was considered the "dollar theater" where you could see films that had been out for a while for a cheaper price not only for tickets but concessions as well. It was a huge part of my childhood and a huge place for others' as well. I'm going to miss it but it will live on in our memories.
These are the 10 things I'll remember most.
1. The sticky floors
Okay, it’s been a bit better recently, but I definitely won’t forget walking into a theater and feeling my size 6 kid shoes sticking to the floor. Yes, it’s dirty, but it’s these beautiful imperfections that made The Palace what it was.
2. The building
Can you say 1980s? When I heard the theater was closing, my friend came up to me and said: “Did you know The Pink Palace is closing?” There’s a distinct look that this theater has that some would describe as ugly, but not me. It’s perfectly nostalgic.
3. The carpet
Please ignore the popcorn on the ground, but come on, who doesn’t love this carpet?
4. The arcade
I spent way too long in this arcade as a child and spent way too much of my parents’ money on the claw machine. I never won once, but hey, who does?
5. The sign
Every time I get off of Kellogg and move onto Ridge, I always take a quick glance at the iconic sign displaying each film that shows during the week. Just the lights, classic letters, and logo are a cool thing to drive by.
6. Classic movies
The Palace used to be where the local Facebook group Wichita Big Screen would show their classic movies, but it’s since moved to the Old Town Warren. However, I still have fond memories of seeing classics such as Halloween with my father and brother on Halloween night, among others such as Gremlins and Die Hard.
7. Cheap tickets
Hey, who can beat the four dollar primetime ticket? Sign me up for seeing The Last Jedi at that price!
8. Time-Warp Tuesdays
Speaking of cheap tickets, if you wanted even CHEAPER tickets, movies were only $1.50 all day. Definitely the lowest price in town.
9. Cheap concessions
Typically, I don’t buy concessions at movie theaters because they’ll cost an arm and a leg, but the $5.19 medium popcorn compared to the $6.99 (plus butter charge) at the typical theater is a nice discount.
10. Childhood memories
I’ll never forget the awesome times I had at The Palace. My grandma and I frequented this theater, and I specifically remember laughing incessantly to titles such as Cheaper by the Dozen, Kicking and Screaming, and Kangaroo Jack. Obviously, these aren’t quality titles, but hey, I was a kid.
Running through the arcade, getting the popcorn, and choosing the movie were all things I had pure fun with as a child and might be one of the reasons my love for movies blossomed into what it is now. I know this theater is where most children are taken by their families to economically enjoy a film so I know they’ll have memories they’ll miss too.
I’ll say that I totally understand why this theater was sold by Regal, but I’m still quite saddened by its departure and hope they don’t demolish the building. The last official film I saw at The Palace was The Last Jedi, which was quite fitting: a newer film that spurred from a series I adored in my childhood. Farewell, Palace. Thanks for the memories.
Here's lookin' at you, kid.