Carmike Cinemas, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKEC), a leading entertainment, digital cinema and 3-D motion picture exhibitor, today announced the grand opening of its new Grande 12 theater featuring The IMAX Experience® in Albuquerque, New Mexico (3810 Las Estancias Way SW). 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, Thursday, December 17th. Attendees may visit www.carmike.com for exact show times and to purchase 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 excited to bring Carmike’s superior cinematic experience and customer service to the Albuquerque community with the opening of the Grande 12 entertainment complex and to be part of the Las Estancias development project. With the upcoming releases of several highly-anticipated IMAX films, including ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ Carmike is thrilled to introduce IMAX’s one-of-a-kind immersive experience to Albuquerque and to showcase high-quality cinema technology, superior large format digital projection, impeccable sound and the finest in-theatre seating that Carmike is known for.”

The facility’s upscale lobby contains multiple concession areas featuring self-serve Coca-Cola Freestyle drink centers that pour 100+ customized fountain drink varieties. One-stop ticketing in the lobby is an amenity at Carmike locations that allows cinemagoers to escape the elements while facilitating ticket and concessions purchases from the same, fast-moving indoor line.

One of the most exciting features within this cutting edge complex is the new IMAX® auditorium, which features a wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling screen measuring 70-feet wide and more than three stories tall with a seating capacity for more than 433 guests. The IMAX auditorium will present the biggest blockbusters to guests in a way they’ve never experienced before. Through a cutting-edge projection system that delivers crystal-clear 2-D and 3-D images and IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, The IMAX Experience® creates a state-of-the-art environment that makes audiences feel as if they are actually in the movie. In addition to IMAX, there are 11 auditoriums with large, wall-to-wall screens, stadium seating, comfortable high-back rocking luxury seats, retractable armrests and convenient cup holders. The Grande 12 has DLP digital projection and 7.1 surround digital sound in all auditoriums with total seating capacity for more than 2,300 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.