New movie theatre opens in one of South Carolina’s opportunity zones

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Grab that popcorn! Northeast Columbia now has a new place to enjoy a movie.

Spotlight Cinemas recently opened Capital 8 on Columbia Mall Boulevard. This location is part of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia’s 23-acre property, which supports the church’s vision to revitalize the surrounding community.

“Hosting moviegoers in an affordable, clean and relaxing movie theater is very important to me and I look forward to connecting with the people that visit us at Capital 8,” Rick Phillips, Owner of Spotlight Cinemas said.

The new theater not only replaces a former movie theatre once located in the area, but also restores a property encompassed within a South Carolina Opportunity Zone. Opportunity Zones are a new community development program designed to encourage long-term, private investments in economically distressed communities designated for growth and development.

The development of the Capital 8 theatre is a collaboration between Spotlight Cinemas and The Meeting Place Church. It’s a location where individuals and families can enjoy the movies at an affordable ticket price of $8 per person in a clean and comfortable environment.

“I have to thank Bishop Eric Freeman and Rick Phillips for seeing and acting on a vision for a family-friendly movie theatre in our city, particularly in this neighborhood,” Mayor Steve Benjamin said. “This project is one of the first of what we hope are many successful, impactful Opportunity Zone developments in Columbia, and we look forward to seeing more for this exciting time for our city and the people of Columbia.”

In early 2017, The Meeting Place Church acquired the 200,000 square foot complex on Columbia Mall Boulevard with a goal to create a spiritual meeting place for all people from all backgrounds, including economic growth in its mission. The church’s global prayer network has more than 100,000 followers.

“We have enjoyed introducing ourselves to the community since opening this location in 2017,” Pastor and Founder of The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia Bishop Eric J. Freeman said. “We look forward to more businesses finding a home in our complex and bringing a robust center for family-friendly fun, entertainment and worship to the local community.”

For more information about The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia, visit the Meeting Place website here or call 803-419-8884. To review movie times and other information about Capital 8, visit the theatre’s website here.