By Jacob Mathias

A large expansion at Rogers Cinema 6 is underway bringing in a new high definition screen, stadium seating and a new sound system.

The cinema is expanding with a 4,422 square- foot theater addition with 232 new seats and the largest screen in the theater. The expansion will bring the total seating capacity to 966, according to Stevens Point Community Development Director Michael Ostrowski.

The total expansion is expected to cost $277,481.

The 232 new seats will be high back rockers, similar to Rogers’ current mega screen theater with stadium seating.

“It’s going to be our first auditorium with a Christie Vive audio system,” said Scott Koran, president of Rogers Cinema. “They have extraordinary sound.”

Along with the expanded viewing opportunities, Koran said that more parking may be in the future as well.

“We’ll look at it in the spring once the snow melts,” said Koran. Rogers Cinema currently owns two empty lots near the theater and those may be expanded into more parking.

The new auditorium expansion, which began in early November, was expected to be complete in mid-April, Koran said, but they’ve already experienced weather delays due to extreme cold and snowfall.

No changes in pricing are expected at this time to cover the expansion costs.

Other new additions to Rogers’ offerings include Cinema Night in Wisconsin which began 2 months ago. Every Tuesday, movie-goers can get admission to a 2D film for $5 instead of the standard $9. Concessions are also discounted on Cinema Night.

“It’s getting people into the theater for movies they wouldn’t normally see,” said Koran.

Marathon movie viewing for highly- anticipated sequels are also on the docket for Rogers. Most recently, Catching Fire, the second in The Hunger Games series was shown with its companion on opening weekend.

Koran said this will continue on with some sequels but it would be time dependent, as some series can span 12-14 hours of viewing time.

“Our kids series will begin in the summer,” said Koran. Admission to select children’s movies is $2.00 Wednesday through Friday mornings.

Rogers Cinema 6 is located at 2725 Church Street and Rogers Campus 4 at 1601 6th Ave in Stevens Point. Pricing and show times can be found at www.rogerscinema.com