Rendering courtesy of Harkins Theatres
Harkins Theatres, an Arizona-based movie theatre company with a rich history in the Valley, has announced plans to open Harkins BackLot, a new family entertainment center, at The Shops at Norterra, 2450 W. Happy Valley Rd., in North Phoenix. With nearly 90 years of providing exceptional family entertainment, Harkins Theatres has become a beloved institution in the region. The BackLot project will build on this long-standing tradition, offering a variety of attractions such as a full-service restaurant and bar, Arizona’s largest sports viewing screens, a state-of-the-art arcade, bowling, private event spaces, and more.
Mike Bowers, CEO and president of Harkins Theatres, sees the expansion into family entertainment centers as a natural progression of the company’s innovation legacy. Harkins BackLot will integrate movie themes into various attractions, creating an immersive environment that changes with new and upcoming films. The venue will also feature dazzling movie-themed audio-visual displays to transform the entire environment and provide guests with a unique entertainment experience.
The sports arena at Harkins BackLot will provide the ultimate sports viewing experience, complete with giant crystal-clear laser projected screens, Harkins digital sound, and stadium-seated risers for full-service dining. It will be the go-to destination for enjoying must-see sporting events throughout the year. In addition, the relaxing outdoor patio will offer yard games and sports viewing, further enhancing the entertainment options for guests.
Bowling enthusiasts can look forward to the state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling lanes, featuring dedicated VIP lanes and Spark digitally animated and enhanced lanes for extra gamification. The advanced technology used in Spark lanes allows for additional interaction with graphics projected right on the lanes, creating engaging games suitable for bowlers of all skill levels.
The expansive arcade floor will cater to guests of all ages, offering large format video, virtual reality, and redemption games. Immersive virtual reality experiences will also be available, bringing cutting-edge technology to the entertainment center.
The full-service restaurant and bar will feature a chef-inspired menu, offering dishes such as delicious burgers, artisanal flatbreads, mouthwatering sandwiches, and outrageously fun and indulgent desserts that the whole family will love. Guests and parents can sit back and enjoy locally inspired craft cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits in the restaurant, bar, and sports arena.
Private party and corporate event spaces will also be available, accommodating various group sizes and event types. Harkins BackLot aims to cater to all ages, providing something for everyone.
“Entertaining our friends and families is at the heart of what we have always done. I’m excited to build on that tradition with Harkins BackLot,” says Dan Harkins, owner of Harkins Theatres.
The first Harkins BackLot location is set to open in 2024, with additional locations to be announced in the future. The new entertainment center will further solidify Harkins Theatres’ position as a leading entertainment provider in the Valley and beyond.
