24 Screens, But Where’s The Popcorn?

It has 13 acres of parking, can seat 5,000 and expects more than 1 1/2 million customers in its first year.

The AMC Grand 24, when it opens later this week, will rank as the nation’s largest movie theater, a facility with enough variety to keep even Siskel and Ebert hopping. Boasting two dozen screens, the theater is the biggest example yet of an accelerating trend toward huge multiplexes.

The Grand 24, which tops an existing 20-plex in Grand Rapids, Mich., will be the world’s third-largest theater behind two in Belgium, according to the National Association of Theater Owners.

The $18 million, U-shaped movie complex boasts three concession stands and a 95-foot-wide lobby.

“Mostly, we’re just trying to put some showmanship back in movie going,” said Joe Brock, senior marketing coordinator for AMC’s southwest region.