Renovated Reel Time Theater Enhances Quality of Life at Fort Irwin
It was lights, camera, action on the silver screen as the Exchange raised the curtain on a newly renovated Reel Time Theater at Fort Irwin.
“This is something that has been a long time in the making, and it was very exciting to see it open again,” Fort Irwin PX General Manager Holly Elliott said. “The Reel Time Theater is a great destination for our Soldiers and their families when they want a nice evening out in a comfortable setting.”
“Raya and the Last Dragon” was the first official movie shown in the two-theater auditorium—one theater has 220 seats and the other 120. The old theater was closed a year ago.
Fort Irwin Garrison Commander Col. Jeanette Martin welcomes visitors to the Exchange’s newly renovated Reel Time Theater. Also pictured (from left) are Exchange West Coast Vice President Robert Rice, Fort Irwin BX General Manager Holly Elliott, Brig. Gen. David Lesperance and Command Sgt. Major William Justice.
Reel Time also boasts refurbished screens and new seating, projectors, speakers, flooring and restrooms.
“This project enhances the quality of life on Fort Irwin, providing exceptional facilities that really make working and living on Fort Irwin an installation of choice,” Garrison Commander Col. Jeanette Martin said. “The movie theater is a great example of placing our Soldiers and families first, and it gives them a place to spend time with their families and decompress.”
Currently, showtimes are 6 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday, with plans to expand to Wednesday at the request of command.
“The feedback has been really positive so far,” Elliott said. “Fort Irwin is a remote installation, and the Exchange is pleased to offer another avenue of entertainment that will enhance the quality of life at the installation.”
Fort Irwin is part of a pilot program to improve the Quality of Life for Soldiers and their families at austere locations. The program, which also includes Forts Polk and Wainwright, plans upgrades to main stores and Expresses, on-post dining and Wi-Fi infrastructure while extending job opportunities to military spouses.
Other Exchange services on the way to Fort Irwin include a Soleil Nails & Spa in early April, along with upgrades to Starbucks and Subway.
Reel Time Theater will offer first-run movies along with some older selections.
“Given our unique location, mission set and work schedules, our Soldiers deserve the best conditions that the Army provides, and this grand reopening does just that,” Fort Irwin Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Fedorisin said.
