Century Cinedome Closes After 30 Years

The lights have dimmed for good at the Century Cinedome, a 30-year-old complex of domed movie theaters.

Unable to compete with the growing number of multiscreen cinemas in the area, the theaters will be demolished, according to Century Theatres employee Andrew Poulain.

Nancy Klasky, vice president of marketing for Century Theatres, said the Cinedome on West Chapman near the Santa Ana Freeway had reached the end of its life span, so the company built a new complex at the nearby Stadium Promenade at Katella Avenue and Main Street.

The Cinedome’s closure has saddened some longtime moviegoers.

“I think it’s sad. That’s where I had my first date,” said Sherri Ricker, 45, of Anaheim, who reminisced about seeing “Ben Hur” at the Cinedome in 1969. “It was a really special place,” she said. “I had to wear a fancy dress to go there.”