CAMARILLO : Multiplex Is on Track to Open May 19

Construction of the 11-screen United Artists cineplex in Camarillo’s Mission Oaks area is nearing completion, and company officials say they will meet their scheduled May 19 opening date.

The 3,000-seat, $5.5-million complex near the corner of Adolfo Road and Camino Ruiz will feature wall-to-wall screens, digital sound equipment and state-of-the-art projection equipment, according to Doug Alexander, vice president of construction for the company.

“We were delayed like everyone was by the heavy rains and the resulting mud, but we’re back on schedule and anticipate meeting our public opening date,” spokesman David Peck said.

Other amenities will include wider seats with cup holders and large snack and beverage bars. The largest of the theaters will seat about 500 people, the smallest about 200.

With three weeks to go before the opening, about 60 workers on the 38,800-square-foot, Spanish Mission-style building are scrambling in double shifts to complete construction on interior spaces, roof and walls.

Although the rival Edwards Theatres Camarillo Palace cineplex opened late last year, UA officials said they were not overly concerned about the competition.

“We think the Camarillo and western Ventura County market is more than big enough to share,” Peck said.

In addition to the 12-screen Edwards facility, which is on Ventura Boulevard between Las Posas Road and Carmen Drive, the city is served by the three-screen Camarillo Cinemas at 390 E. Lantana St.