Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKEC), a leading entertainment, digital cinema and 3-D motion picture exhibitor, today announced the grand opening celebration of its new Cherry Blossom 14 theater featuring The IMAX Experience® in Traverse City, Michigan (3825 Marketplace Circle). The theatre officially opens with Disney’s highly anticipated debut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in the IMAX® auditorium at 7:00 p.m. (local time) today. Attendees may visit www.carmike.com for exact show times and to purchase their advance tickets.

Ongoing promotions at this location include:

Stimulus Tuesday – $2 popcorn, $2 fountain drinks and $2 candy with ticket purchase every Tuesday.

Super Bargain Matinee – $5.75 admission prices for all movies between 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (standard surcharges for IMAX, 3-D and special showings apply).

Carmike President and CEO David Passman stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of the Traverse City community and to bring the IMAX’s immersive entertainment experience to local cinemagoers ahead of a film slate packed with highly-anticipated film releases, including the upcoming premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. As ‘America’s Hometown Theatre Chain’, Carmike is dedicated to providing guests with an unrivaled cinema-going experience. Reflecting this commitment to our patrons, the new Cherry Blossom 14 entertainment complex will showcase our superior cinema technology, including premium large format digital projection and impeccable sound, along with the finest in-theatre seating, premium amenities and the exceptional customer service of our dedicated associates.”

The Cherry Blossom 14 entertainment complex includes an upscale lobby with multiple concession areas featuring self-serve Coca-Cola Freestyle drink centers that pour more than 100 customized fountain drink varieties. Cinemagoers will also enjoy one-stop ticketing, an amenity at Carmike locations that allows patrons to escape the elements while facilitating ticket and concessions purchases from the same, fast-moving indoor line.

One of the most exciting features within The Cherry Blossom 14 complex is the new IMAX® auditorium, which features a wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screen measuring 66-feet wide and more than three stories tall with seating capacity for more than 430 guests. The IMAX auditorium will present the biggest blockbusters to guests in a way they’ve never experienced in cinema before. Through a cutting-edge projection system, which delivers crystal-clear 2D and 3D images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, The IMAX Experience creates a state-of-the-art environment that will make audiences feel as if they are actually in the movie. In addition to IMAX, there are 13 auditoriums with large, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seating, luxury leather seats, floatable armrests and convenient cup holders. The Cherry Blossom 14 has DLP digital projection and 7.1 surround digital sound on all screens, and the premier location includes total seating capacity for more than 2,900 guests.

About The IMAX Experience®

In IMAX, you’re experiencing a different movie altogether: everything from the movie itself to the theatre’s technology and design was developed and customized to make you believe you’re part of the action.

IMAX works directly with filmmakers to enhance the movie using its Digital Re-Mastering® process, which delivers superior picture and sound quality. Played through IMAX’s state-of-the art projection system, the resulting images are so lifelike and crystal-clear you’ll forget you’re in a theatre.

IMAX grabs your senses. You don’t just hear the powerful sound system; you feel it all around you. Visually, there is no frame. IMAX’s custom theatre design creates a picture that is higher, wider and closer – filling your peripheral view.

It’s not one thing that makes The IMAX Experience but a combination of all these elements. That’s the difference between seeing a movie and being part of one.

Visit IMAX.com for information.

About Carmike Cinemas

Carmike Cinemas, Inc. is a U.S. leader in digital cinema, 3-D cinema deployments and alternative programming and is one of the nation's largest motion picture exhibitors. Carmike has 277 theatres with 2,958 screens in 41 states. The circuit includes 53 premium large format (PLF) auditoriums featuring state-of-the-art technology and luxurious seating, including 33 "BigDs," 18 IMAX auditoriums and two MuviXL screens. As "America's Hometown Theatre Chain" Carmike's primary focus is mid-sized communities. Visit www.carmike.com for exact show-times and to purchase tickets.