Eagan Regal Cinemas 16 Closes After 20-Year Run

Eagan moviegoers looking to see the epic conclusion of Avengers: Endgame in theaters next week will have to look toward neighboring cities to do so. After a more than 20-year run since it was built in 1998, Regal Cinemas 16 on Cliff Road is closed indefinitely. What comes next for the property however, may not be all bad for moviegoers.

Having previously worked at the theater, I learned through former coworkers that yesterday would be the final day its doors were open. The closure was so sudden, I felt compelled to see one last movie there and get the inside scoop on what's next for the building that housed the longtime Eagan attraction. Upon arrival, I unexpectedly encountered a large group of friends and former theater coworkers who were also feeling nostalgic. It was a mini reunion, and seeing the inside gutted was surprisingly emotional. I spent a lot of my childhood under the roof of Eagan 16, and made many memories while working there. As I stood in the empty lobby, I couldn't help but feel sad knowing that would be the last time I see a movie at Regal Eagan.

Though the news of an Eagan closure may come as a surprise, the sale of Regal to British theater company Cineworld meant changes were likely inevitable. Cineworld was a smaller company than Regal at the time of purchase, and required a hefty $4 billion loan for the deal to go through. Given the money it owes, it makes sense that Cineworld decided to liquidate various Regal theaters. According to Regal's website, it appears that the fate of the Regal in Eagan is sealed, as Minnesota is no longer on its list of states with theater locations. This listing for the building at 2055 Cliff Road, which was updated just yesterday (4/18/19), confirms that building lease expired this month and hasn't been renewed. Though it appears the building's tenure as a Regal is finished, the news for theatergoers may not be all bad. It seems the building could be purchased by another theater company and the interior might even be getting an upgrade.

Before I watched my movie yesterday, I spent some time talking to my former Regal manager - who was working his final shift - about what comes next. Although the completion of a deal wasn't confirmed, he was optimistic that the building owners were in talks of selling the property to another theater company. Given the ideal location and the building already standing as a theater, it would seem that a purchase - and possibly interior renovations - is a possibility. Again, however, none of this information has been confirmed by the building owners or the city of Eagan. Though it will be under a new name, moviegoers can only hope the building has more years as a theater ahead.

To some, it may just be a building, but to others, it is a place filled with memories. No matter what happens, thank you to all of the kind staff who provided a positive theater experience at Regal throughout the last two decades. Thank you Regal, for being a piece of this community and a piece of my childhood.