The last picture show: Wilmington movie theater is set to close soon

Wilmington is a three-multiplex town, but not for long.

AMC Classic Wilmington 16, located near the intersection of Market Street and Kerr Avenue, will show its last movie on Oct. 15.

In an email, Barry Brakeville, corporate communications director with AMC Theatres, said "I can confirm that AMC will cease operations at AMC Classic Wilmington 16, effective at the end of business, Sunday, Oct. 15. AMC routinely reviews the theatres in our circuit, as well as opportunities outside of our circuit, and makes decisions based on what will best strengthen the company going forward."

One of three multiplexes in the area, the AMC is also the oldest.

According to online movie theater guide CinemaTreasures.org, the theater "opened May 5, 1997 as the Carmike Cinema 12. Four more screens were added on for its grand re-opening December 25, 1999, as the Carmike Cinema 16."

In 2016, AMC Theatres announced the purchase of Carmike Cinemas, including the one in Wilmington.

Movie attendance nationwide was already down before the pandemic and has not fully bounced back since theaters were forced to be closed for months due to COVID.

With AMC's departure, Wilmington's two remaining theaters are at Mayfaire and The Pointe at Barclay. The Mayfaire complex, with 16 screens, is run by Regal Theatres and 14-screen The Pointe is owned by Stone Cinemas.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: AMC movie theater in Wilmington NC to close