SLO Theater To Have Major Renovations in 2025

by Nate Landwehr 

December 15, 2024

As long as movie theaters existed they have been go-to hang out locations for all ages. However, for those who tend to make Downtown Cinema 7 in San Luis Obispo their hang out location, there will be points of time in 2025 in which the theater will be closed. Luckily, the closing is for positive reasons as the theater will undergo extensive renovations. The first time the theater will be closed will be from Dec. 20th until the 22nd.


The renovations for the theater are thanks in part to the new lease agreement signed for the building. The lease allows for the Sanborn family to continue their family business for up to 20 years. To ensure that the business can continue to thrive until then, the owner of the building chose to invest $2 million in order to implement greatly needed renovations within the theater.


There were many issues that have plagued the theater that led to many  turning away from the establishment. For years, the reclining seats in each theater were torn and in great disrepair leading to them not always functioning properly. Fixing the issue of the maltreated furniture will be a large focus of the renovations. 

The staircase entrance to the theater (Photo Credit: The City of San Luis Obispo)

The theater is also looking to install a massive upgrade in terms of the sound equipment. The outdated sound equipment will be switched out for brand new Dolby Atmos immersive sound that will enhance the movie watching experience. 


Avid movie goer Angus McNellie is greatly looking forward to the upcoming renovations to his favorite theater. When asked about recent experiences at the theater, McNellie shared that “it was worse than before. The lights were flickering on and off throughout the previews, the butter machine was broken, and another movie I saw didn’t start for twenty minutes.” McNellie’s experiences are very telling of the theater’s necessary changes that are coming. 


With 2025 right around the corner, the changes coming to the theater will be a very welcome addition to the new year.


Sources: KSBY, Mustang News