There were many firsts that came with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s grand opening of its Boston multiplex and 40th location in the country.
It is the first Alamo Drafthouse in Massachusetts, the first in New England and the first to have heated seats in every theater.
Perhaps that’s because the Texas-based company knew about Boston’s harsh winters. It might also be a means for the company’s owners to signal to its customers that the movie business is not going anywhere anytime soon.
“There was a little bit of a soft period in our industry with COVID. So, things were rough for a while but the business is back,” founder and Executive Chairman of Alamo Drafthouse Tim League told MassLive during the cinema’s grand opening party Thursday night.
“We had our best month in history in July and now that the (SAG-AFTRA) strikes are over, the pipeline is starting to flow,” League added. “We’re super excited. We’re definitely looking to expand, not just in the Northeast, but all over the United States.”
League founded Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas in 1997. The chain has been called “the best theater in America” by Entertainment Weekly and “the best theater in the world” by Wired.
League said he was attracted to Seaport’s “vibrant” community while his team was on a scouting trip of potential locations after opening its New York cinema.
“We fell in love with the neighborhood and thought that what we’re doing with the movie theater would really work with this community,” he said. “This feels like our town.”
“I think this is going to be a huge success,” said CEO of Alamo Drafthouse Michael Kustermann, who lived in Boston for more than two years and always wanted a theater like Alamo Drafthouse during his time in the city.
“I believe in this location. I know the brand is going to do phenomenal things here, and I think it spells good stuff for Massachusetts and the Northeast as well as the rest of the country,” he added.
Alamo’s Boston theater, located at 60 Seaport Blvd. in Seaport, opened to the public on Friday, Nov. 17.
The 41,856-square-foot space used to be occupied by another movie theater, which made it easier for the company to give it the Alamo touch without an entire redesign.
“I think if there’s any silver linings coming out of COVID, it’s the fact that there were some theaters around the country that were pretty new and ready to go,” said Kustermann, adding that it took about a year to get the cinema in shape.
“We were lucky enough to come in and scoop this up,” Kustermann continued. “I think this is one we’ve all been excited about and, you know, true labor of love to give to the city of Boston.”
What to expect inside Alamo Drafthouse
Upon entering the cinema’s lobby, guests are greeted by a full-size statue of the Iron Giant from the 1999 movie of the same name. This movie was also the theme behind the design of the Boston cinema, which offers 780 seats in 10 theaters.
All seating is assigned and can be reserved in person, online or via the mobile app. Reservations are recommended. Alamo Drafthouse is also known for its strict no talking/texting policy.
The theaters also offer Alamo Drafthouse’s famous dine-in service with menus that are located at every seat. Guests just write down what they want and press a button to call over a server.
The menu offers appetizers, entrees and desserts with cocktails, beers, wines and Alamo’s award-winning milkshakes.
The Seaport theater will focus on seasonal specials and selections for specific movie events as well as offer vegan-friendly and kids’ options.
Alamo Drafthouse will also host signature holiday events such as its “Elf” Movie Party and “Little Women” Brunch.
Guests can also grab a drink at The Press Room: a standalone bar decorated with more than 10,000 vintage movie ad plates from the 1930s through the 1980s.
Tickets are already on sale for the first round of shows including “Trolls Band Together,” “The Marvels,” “Saltburn,” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.”
In addition, Alamo is offering guests 20% discounts on select menu items and scratch-and-win cards for a chance to win prizes with every visit through Nov. 22.
The theater is located adjacent to the ORA Seaport garage, and guests who book a show in advance will get a discounted rate of $18 for the first 0-3 hours of parking during the week and $10 during the weekend.
People can book parking by clicking here.
Those who forget to reserve parking in advance can still show their Alamo Drafthouse receipt at the garage for a discount. Tickets for shows can be found here.
