Going to the movies soon will be more than just seeing a movie at Fairchild Cinemas' theater off Road 68 in Pasco. 

Renovations will begin in January and enhance the movie-going experience with upgraded recliner seating, Dolby Atmos sound technology and an expanded food menu including alcoholic beverages, a release from the company said. But guests also will be able to enjoy duckpin bowling or become immersed in a 60-game arcade, while a private event space will offer opportunities for celebrating everything from birthdays to corporate events. 

“Our goal is to transform this space into more than just a movie theater,” said Kevin Fairchild, who has now taken on ownership from his retired parents Jeff and Lisa Fairchild. “We’re creating a destination where families and friends can come together, have fun, and make memories – whether it’s watching a movie, bowling a few frames, enjoying a drink, or hosting a special celebration.”  

Fairchild operates four movie theaters, one each in Pasco, Richland, Kennewick and Moses Lake, with roughly 160 staff. The company has long offered features not originally available in typical movie theaters, such as reclining seats and the option to book seat-specific tickets for movie showings. 

The Pasco theater, which opened in 2007 and was last renovated in 2018, was Fairchild’s first set of screens in the Tri-Cities. It has long been the “bargain” theater for the company, with fewer amenities but ticket prices slightly lower with one day of bargain prices per week.   

Some of the enhancements coming in this new renovation are not new to the company; the option for moviegoers to buy beer, wine or cocktails and enjoy reclining seats is already available at Fairchild’s theaters in Richland’s Queensgate shopping district and Southridge in Kennewick. However, the addition of duckpin bowling—a modern take on the sport that uses smaller balls and pins—and an extensive arcade will set the Pasco theater apart. 

The renovation will not stop showings; the seating and sound system improvements will happen one screen at a time, so movies will continue to play throughout the process, the release said.  

Movie-going improvements will take place first, with the first set of screens with improved seating and sound expected to be showing movies in April. The duckpin bowling, arcade and private event space will be the second phase of construction, though the company has not announced a timeline for those to come online.