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The theater awakens

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Sparks
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

The Warriors of the North braved sub-zero temperatures to attend the grand re-opening of the base theater here, Dec. 16, 2016.

The grand re-opening kicked off with a showing of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Airmen are excited to have this new source of entertainment available.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Bogan, 319th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of resource protection, was present for the reopening and first official showing.

“We don’t have to venture downtown; now we can enjoy this family friendly environment and great resource right on base,” said Bogan.

Col. Rodney Lewis, 319th Air Base Wing commander, wanted to provide a boost in morale to the Warriors of the North.

“The morale of our Airmen and their families is vital to completing the mission. With unpredictable North Dakota weather, a facility allowing for our Airmen to spend quality time with each other, a safe distance from home, is invaluable” said Lewis. “The re-opening of the theater is a culmination of hard work by our One Grand Forks Air Force Base team and especially our partnership with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service."

The theater, which has been closed since 2012, will reopen with $170,000 in upgrades including a high-definition digital projection system with 3D capabilities.

According to AAFES, the theater will offer new releases, 3D and other popular movies.

“The Exchange has partnered with installation command to reopen the Grand Forks Base Theater, the most-requested addition to the Grand Forks community. The theater will offer first-run movies in support of the Exchange’s mission to provide Airmen and their families with top-flight entertainment, shopping and dining,” said an AAFES representative.