In addition to stadium seating, all chairs have retractable armrests and "loveseat" style chairs that allow two people to sit without an armrest between them.

This theater is separate from one scheduled to be built in downtown State College by 2005.

That theater, which is also expected to have 12 screens, will be located at the site of the former State College municipal building between Calder Way and Beaver Avenue on Fraser Street.

Teresa Sparacino, director of the Downtown Improvement District, said if they had thought the new theater on Premiere Drive would affect the theater scheduled to be built downtown, then they would not have proceeded with the plans.

"We do believe this is a viable project, and we feel it will do well," Sparacino said.

She credited the convenient downtown location and walking accessibility as reasons the Fraser Street theater will still be built.

Suzanne Brown, a representative for Carmike Cinemas, said she could not comment on how the new theater would affect the two Carmike theaters in the State College area -- Cinema 6 Theater, 501 Benner Pike, and Cinema 5 Theater, 116 Hiester St.

"It is our company's policy not to comment on competition," Brown said.

Krezo said the new Premiere Theaters are owned by United Entertainment Corp. based in St. Cloud, Minn. He said the company travels to towns across the country and builds theaters based on the demand of each area.

"This was just vacant land before we starting building last July," Krezo said. "The area allows for a big theater and expansive parking."

He added that the new theater has provided jobs for Penn State students, as well as area high school students.

Some Penn State students said they would definitely give the new theater a try, while others feel the distance from campus and downtown may be a problem.

"It is really convenient for students with cars," Henry Lum (sophomore-industrial engineering) said. "I'll definitely check it out."

Krezo said regular hours will be from around 12:15 p.m. to a last showing at 10 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students with a valid student ID.

Brandon Peck (junior-crime, law and justice) said the low student discount price is a plus.

"Most theaters want to stiff you for $8," Peck said. "Five dollars is cheap to see a new movie," he said.

Jenny Warren (junior-communication sciences and disorders) said that since she does not have a car, the distance might keep her downtown.

"If the same movie is playing in town, I'd see that one before I drove out to the new theater," Warren said. "If I had a car, though, I'd probably go."