2000, Volume 1PAGE 3

Festival Bay at International Drive Opens with Cinemark USA

Cinemark USA, one of the largest motion picture exhibitors in North America, was the first tenant to open at Festival Bay at International Drive, a lifestyle retail entertainment complex in Orlando. The 85,000-square-foot, 20-screen megaplex theatre held its grand opening on December 23, 1999. Located on International Drive and Oak Ridge Road, Cinemark USA features stadium-style seating to accommodate 4,200 moviegoers.

Upon completion, Festival Bay at International Drive will feature nearly 1.1 million square feet of destination lifestyle retail and entertainment stores.

“Since opening, Cinemark USA at Festival Bay at International Drive has been a hit with both Orlando tourists and locals alike,” said Andrew J. Groveman, senior vice president of Belz Enterprises.

The new theatre complex houses 20 auditoriums equipped with technologically advanced digital sound systems and ultra plush reclining chairs with cup holders on every seat. Reserved seating will be available in the theatre's four largest screening rooms for added customer convenience.

“We're bringing back the luxury of the old days while offering our patrons the modern conveniences of today's technology,” commented Diette Barnett, director of in-theatre marketing at Cinemark USA.

Adding to the luxury of the Cinemark experience is “Studio Eats,” a gourmet coffee bar and café; that complements the traditional food choices found in the theatre's three concession stands. Studio Eats offers hungry movie-goers a variety of baked goods, gourmet hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, cappuccino, café latte and espresso.

With Cinemark USA at Festival Bay at International Drive off to a swift start, another tenant, Bass Pro Outdoor World, is scheduled to open a 162,000-square-foot store by mid-2000. As Festival Bay at International Drive’s largest anchor tenant, it will offer everything for the outdoor enthusiast. The new Bass Pro Outdoor World will feature one of the world’s largest fishing departments for fresh water, salt water and fly fishing, as well as departments for hunting, camping, boats, RVs, golf, tennis, gifts and a full line of outdoor sportswear and footwear.

Ron Jon Surf Shop, the largest surf and active lifestyle retailer in the U.S., will open a 25,000-square-foot surf emporium at Festival Bay at International Drive later this year. At Ron Jon’s, customers can find a board for every sport, whether it be surf, skate, ski, wake, snow or body boards. The company merchandises swim and active lifestyle apparel as well as beach accessories and sun-related products.

Van's Inc., the core sports and lifestyle footwear, apparel and snowboard boot manufacturer, will also join the impressive tenant roster at Festival Bay at International Drive later this year. Vans footwear collection features more than 60 styles ranging from classic deck shoes and slip-ons to high performance skateboard shoes, contemporary casual footwear, snowboard boots and sandals. In addition, the company will open Orlando's first “Skate Park” at Festival Bay at International Drive.

"In addition to these top-notch anchor tenants, Festival Bay at International Drive will also include themed restaurants, and specialty and entertainment-type retailers in its exciting mix," Groveman said. "Designed to cater to the 40 million worldwide tourists that visit Florida each year, Festival Bay at International Drive will reflect the relaxed Orlando lifestyle in its innovative architecture and relaxed attitude."

Strategically located on International Drive and bounded by the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 4 in Orlando, Festival Bay at International Drive is envisioned as an additional anchor to the north end of International Drive.

Photo at top:

1. Cinemark USA, an 85,000-square-foot, 20-screen megaplex theatre, held its grand opening on December 23, 1999.