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The show goes on: Sun-Ray Cinema moving to Tampa, aims to open doors in December

Jacksonville theater finds new spotlight after closing iconic Five Points location

The show goes on: Sun-Ray Cinema moving to Tampa, aims to open doors in December (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

TAMPA, Fla. – In a bold new chapter for one of Jacksonville’s beloved theaters, Sun-Ray Cinema announced Thursday it is moving to a different Florida city.

The cinema, known for its unique film selections and atmosphere, will soon open its doors in Tampa.

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“It’s official! We found our next home in Tampa, Florida,” Sun-Ray Cinema announced on social media Thursday.

The new space will feature 10 screens and a massive 4,000-square-foot kitchen—giving fans more room to enjoy the theater’s famed snacks and innovative menu offerings.

Related: Community pours out final goodbyes as Sun-Ray set to close its doors Saturday |Sun-Ray Cinema to become live music venue called FIVE by next year, new owners say

Among the theater’s new screening spaces are two large auditoriums, while the remaining eight rooms vary in size, allowing for a diverse lineup of films and events.

While the Sun-Ray team aims to get things up and running by Thanksgiving, the theater will officially open its doors on Dec. 11.

“We hope to turn it around by Thanksgiving then renovate as we operate but definitely will be open by 12/11 just in time for Jozef Van Wissem to perform a score to Murnau’s Nosferatu two weeks before Eggers’ new version opens on Christmas Day,” the announcement said.

Sun-Ray Cinema will be taking the spot of another theater near the University Mall and the University of South Florida.

The cinema encouraged everyone to spread the word, visit the new theater in Tampa, and, most importantly, keep the Sun-Ray spirit alive.

It’s official! We found our next home in Tampa, Florida. It’s a ten screen with a massive 4,000 sq ft kitchen. We have...

Posted by Sun-Ray Cinema on Thursday, November 14, 2024

Back in July, News4JAX learned that Union South Partners, the new owners of the theater’s building in Five Points, is planning $2 million in renovations, and Nashville-based Marathon Live plans to open a new live music venue inside the building.

It will be called FIVE and is scheduled to open in January.

The company behind the new live music venue is also working on a new shared office space in the Rail Yard District called the Workshop at Dennis + Ives.


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