The $30 Million Secret: 5 Reasons Cinemark Chesapeake Square Is Thriving Amidst Massive Mall Redevelopment
The Cinemark Chesapeake Square and XD theater, located in Chesapeake, Virginia, is currently at the center of one of the region's largest commercial transformations, yet it remains a thriving entertainment destination. As of this current date in December 2025, the 12-screen cinema is fully operational, offering a premium movie-going experience while the surrounding Chesapeake Square Mall undergoes a massive, multi-million dollar redevelopment.
This unique position makes the Cinemark location a crucial anchor for the entire Western Branch area of Chesapeake, serving movie lovers across the greater Hampton Roads region. Far from being impacted negatively by the construction, the theater's modern amenities and cutting-edge technology are solidifying its status as the go-to spot for blockbuster entertainment during a period of significant change for the property.
Cinemark Chesapeake Square & XD: A Modern Entertainment Profile
The Cinemark Chesapeake Square is not the original theater on the property (an older Cinemark Movies 10 was abandoned years ago), but a newer, purpose-built facility designed for the ultimate cinematic experience. It is located at 2413 Chesapeake Square Ring Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321, and its features set it apart from typical theaters in the area.
- Location: 2413 Chesapeake Square Ring Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321
- Screens: 12 Auditoriums
- Premium Format: Cinemark XD (Xtreme Digital)
- Key Amenities: Luxury Loungers, RealD 3D, Mobile Ticketing, Concessions Delivery
- Status: Currently Open and Fully Operational (as of December 2025)
- Context: Remains open during the $30 Million Chesapeake Square Mall Redevelopment
1. Why the Cinemark Theater Remains Open During the $30M Redevelopment
The biggest question for locals in Chesapeake and Portsmouth is the theater's status amidst the major construction project next door. The Chesapeake Square Mall is undergoing a significant $30 million redevelopment, which includes the demolition of large portions of the original structure to make way for new uses, potentially including a mix of commercial, residential, and entertainment spaces.
The good news for movie fans is that the Cinemark Chesapeake Square and XD is a modern, standalone structure and a crucial revenue anchor for the property. Developers have confirmed that the 12-screen cinema, along with the adjacent Target store, will remain fully open and operational throughout the entire construction process. The redevelopment project is anticipated to be complete sometime between summer and fall 2026, meaning the Cinemark will continue to serve as the entertainment hub during the revitalization of the Western Branch neighborhood.
This continuity ensures that residents of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and the surrounding areas still have access to a state-of-the-art movie theater without interruption. The theater's strategic location and modern infrastructure were key factors in its preservation and continued operation.
2. The Unmatched Comfort of Cinemark’s Luxury Loungers
One of the most significant upgrades that defines the modern Cinemark experience is the installation of their signature Luxury Loungers. These are not just standard theater seats; they are oversized, plush, electric-powered recliners that allow guests to stretch out and enjoy the film in supreme comfort. The addition of these seats drastically reduces the seating capacity of an auditorium but significantly enhances the viewing experience, making it feel more like a premium, living-room setting.
This shift to comfortable, reserved seating is a major draw for the Chesapeake community. Being able to reserve your exact seat when purchasing tickets online—a feature that comes with waived fees for Cinemark Movie Club members—eliminates the stress of rushing to the theater and guarantees a perfect spot, whether you prefer the back row or the center aisle.
For those seeking an extra layer of coziness, the theater sometimes offers luxury super soft crystal fleece blankets through their concession delivery service, making the recliner experience even more indulgent.
3. What is Cinemark XD and Why It’s Worth the Upgrade
The "XD" in Cinemark Chesapeake Square and XD stands for Xtreme Digital, representing the chain's premium large-format (PLF) offering. It is the theater's answer to formats like IMAX, providing a truly immersive spectacle that enhances any blockbuster movie.
Key features that make the XD auditorium a premium experience:
- Massive Screen: The XD screen is an enormous, wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling surface, often measuring up to 70 feet wide, creating an image that dominates the viewer's field of vision.
- State-of-the-Art Projection: Movies are shown using advanced 4K digital projectors, which deliver a brighter, sharper, and more detailed picture than standard screens.
- Superior Sound: The audio is delivered through a custom, multi-channel surround sound system, often featuring 11.1 channels, which provides a deeper, richer, and more directional sound experience. This custom JBL sound system ensures every explosion, whisper, and musical note is perfectly rendered.
- RealD 3D: The XD screen is also fully capable of exhibiting the newest movies in RealD 3D, adding another dimension to the viewing experience.
Choosing the Cinemark XD option is a popular decision for major releases, as it is designed to showcase the film exactly as the director intended, with "brighter worlds, deeper sounds, and a richer experience."
4. Maximizing Your Visit: Deals, Concessions, and The Cinemark Movie Club
Beyond the screens and seats, the Cinemark Chesapeake Square offers several modern conveniences and deals for frequent movie-goers. The theater has fully embraced technology to improve the concession experience and customer loyalty.
The Cinemark Movie Club
For regular patrons, the Cinemark Movie Club is an essential membership. For a low monthly fee, members receive:
- One 2D ticket per month (which can be rolled over).
- A significant 20% discount on all concessions, including popcorn, fountain drinks, and candy.
- Waived online ticketing fees, saving money on every purchase.
- The ability to earn points through the Cinemark Movie Rewards program, which can be redeemed for future tickets and rewards.
Mobile Ordering and Delivery
The theater offers a "Snacks In A Tap" service, allowing guests to order concessions directly from their phone and have them ready for pick-up, minimizing time spent waiting in line. Furthermore, the Cinemark Chesapeake Square location offers concession delivery through third-party services like Grubhub and DoorDash, a perfect option for a movie night at home in the Hampton Roads area.
5. The Future: A Cinema Anchor in a Revitalized Community
The continued operation of the Cinemark Chesapeake Square and XD during the massive mall redevelopment project underscores its importance to the local economy and entertainment landscape. The $30 million investment in the Chesapeake Square property is set to transform the area, bringing new commercial and residential opportunities to the Western Branch neighborhood.
By the time the project is completed in 2026, the modern Cinemark theater will be surrounded by a completely revitalized environment. This future is expected to increase foot traffic and accessibility, ensuring the Cinemark remains a premier destination for years to come. For residents of Chesapeake and the surrounding cities, the theater is not just a place to watch a movie; it is a reliable, high-quality entertainment anchor that is successfully navigating a period of major civic transformation.
Detail Author:
- Name : Arjun Connelly
- Username : pagac.phoebe
- Email : doreilly@hotmail.com
- Birthdate : 1972-11-15
- Address : 8876 Edison Stream East Agneston, NC 32739-4763
- Phone : (586) 625-3555
- Company : Robel LLC
- Job : Administrative Support Supervisors
- Bio : Blanditiis dolor optio tempora vitae unde error. Fugit eos aut quo est quo. Voluptate culpa neque qui eveniet. Labore ut beatae ut id atque quis dolores suscipit.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/marlin_monahan
- username : marlin_monahan
- bio : Molestias voluptatem omnis tempora.
- followers : 6880
- following : 721
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/marlin4120
- username : marlin4120
- bio : Omnis fugit earum ut.
- followers : 3510
- following : 1536
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/marlin.monahan
- username : marlin.monahan
- bio : Laborum dolorem voluptatibus dolores qui. Repellat quos reiciendis quibusdam. Voluptas quasi nam aut ea voluptatem.
- followers : 1939
- following : 2991
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@monahan2024
- username : monahan2024
- bio : Vitae veritatis deserunt dolorem ea est atque.
- followers : 1719
- following : 2632
