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Xscape Theatres waiting for green light to open in Riverview

Posted at 5:48 PM, Nov 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-16 17:48:11-05

A company from the Midwest is choosing the Tampa Bay area over any other place in Florida to open the first of their movie theaters. 

Xscape Theatres will consist of 14 theaters, their special Xtreme large screens, leather electric recliners and a state of the art sound system. 

Xscape found Riverview to be a perfect location because of the booming growth in the area. 

Scott Bagwell, Vice President of Operations said they found that people travel to the Brandon area for the closest theater. 

"We're going to try and eliminate some of the headaches we see,"  Bagwell said. "On social media, you see a lot of complaints about the Brandon theater, it's hard to get in and out of."

Other feedback Xscape found included complaints about kids coming to the Brandon theaters.

"Anyone under the age of 17, after 9 p.m. is not allowed in the building," he said.

Bagwell adds that a teen accompanied by an adult is permitted. 

"The adults who come to the movies, they want to have an escape," he said.

As Xscape is set to open, competition is already moving into the area too. 

Another theater chain is opening a location five miles away off Gibsonton Drive.

However, it's not a concern to Bagwell.

"We figure that theater will handle the south, we're going to handle everything north of the river," he said.

Hillsborough County estimates they have around 83,000 people in Riverview, and they expect it to grow another 10,000 people in the next five years. 

Xscape said they took into consideration traffic issues in the area and the city added a stoplight off Progress Road to help with movie traffic. 

The theater is ready to open, they're just waiting for the county to give them the green light.

You can check their Facebook page orwebsite for more information.