Just in time for the holidays and new blockbuster films on the big screen , Pleasant Grove welcomed its newest movie theater in an all too familiar place.

On Friday, Nov. 22, the Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres opened its newest location in the city after refurbishing and rebranding the Water Gardens Cinema 6.

As the Daily Herald reported in June, Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres acquired the Water Gardens after the former owners decided to sell it and announced plans to convert it into a luxury-seating movie house.

Water Gardens co-owner Tyler Walters previously cited a number of factors for their decision, including the need for significant theater upgrades, a decline in ticket sales and rumblings of another theater (unrelated to Megaplex) possibly moving into Pleasant Grove.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

Megaplex Theatres assumed operations of the Water Gardens at the end of July and began construction with a four-month deadline of opening before the holidays.

LHM Megaplex Entertainment leaders and employees as well as Pleasant Grove and Lindon elected officials gathered for an official “film cutting” ceremony on Nov. 22, ironically the same opening day as the highly anticipated musical film “Wicked.”

During the ceremony, Britten Maughan, Megaplex Theatres president, noted the historical significance of the Water Gardens Cinema, which first opened its doors in 1997.

“This location has been a mainstay for the community for a long time,” Maughan said. “It really has been the closest theater for anyone living on the bench, whether that’s in Lindon or Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and it’s been beloved.”

Maughan, who said he grew up in Utah County, recalled seeing a Star Wars film at the Water Gardens in 1999. He said he is excited that regardless of the name on the front of the building, a movie theater will still stand at the location.

Pleasant Grove’s Megaplex Theatre features eight auditoriums with luxury and heated seating and a completely renovated snack bar among a variety of amenities.

“We’ve touched up the lobby, added new elements to concessions, and we believe that we have our best foot forward to serve the community of Pleasant Grove and Utah County for years and years to come,” Maughan said to the crowd of attendees.

Courtesy Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres

He also noted that 4k projectors will be added to some of the auditoriums in the near future.

The new Pleasant Grove opening also comes as Megaplex Theaters celebrates a milestone: its 25th anniversary.

On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time where movie buffs enjoyed the newest releases in their homes – Megaplex Theaters wants people to feel safe and encouraged to experience movies on the big screens.

“After a rough patch, there’s enormous momentum around bringing people together and having these experiences,”  Larry H. Miller Company CEO Steve Starks said during the ceremony. “There’s something very American about cinema, the power that it has, and so we’re excited to be part of that future.”

Megaplex Theatres just completed a similar renovation in Park City, where, according to the Park Record, what used to be the Redstone 8 Cinemas reopened as a Megaplex last month.

The newest Megaplex Theatres offering in Pleasant Grove joins two other Utah County Megaplex Theatres locations: a nearby theater in Vineyard and a location at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

Maughan said the company is committed to the future of cinema with a focus on the power of the big screen experience and the momentum around bringing people together.

Soon, people driving near the intersection of Pleasant Grove Boulevard and State Street will see new art on the structure that looks to expand on the company’s messaging.

“Thanks to Pleasant Grove, we’re actually (going to) have a mural on the side of this building that says Live Life Larger, and it’s going to be the first that we have on any of our buildings,” Maughan said. “We want to remind people why they come to the movies and why the movies are not going anywhere, and we’re thrilled to provide that for years and years to come.”

Pleasant Grove’s Megaplex Theatres is located at 912 W. Garden Drive. For hours and showtimes, visit megaplextheatres.com.