New installation in series to open on Thursday night

The fourth movie in the popular Harry Potter series opens in theaters Friday. Several events are planned before and after to celebrate the movie’s release.

Credit: Jason Hall

Growing up isn’t easy, especially when you’re a wizard.

Such is the life of 14-year-old Harry Potter, the main character in the Harry Potter book series, in book four of the popular series.

The newest movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, opens in theaters Friday. For fans of the books and movies, there will be plenty to do at University Plaza Theatre this weekend to celebrate. The theater is welcoming the new movie to its screens with two events.

“We will be having a midnight showing on Thursday and a big promotional day on Saturday,” promotions manager Sarah Isackila-Vega said. “And we still have several seats left.”

The midnight showing will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday morning. Pre-sale tickets are available for both events, and can be purchased for $7 at University Plaza Theatre.

“You can purchase tickets right now,” manager Brad Staiger said. “It can be more beneficial than waiting to buy tickets.”

Typical large crowds of Harry Potter fans are expected this weekend, he said.

“We are expecting the midnight showing to have a really big turnout, but the big promotional event will be Saturday,” Isackila-Vega said.

Harry Potter fans are encouraged to dress up for Saturday’s events, which will include a costume contest and picture taking.

“We will also have a concession contest, trivia contest and some employees will even be dressing up,” Isackila-Vega said. “The theater will be decorated in Harry Potter decor.”

The events will begin at 11 a.m. at the theater Saturday.

The movie will be played on two screens Saturday with show times throughout the day. The movie will show at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

“We are really hoping people come out, dress up and just have a great time,” Staiger said. “That is really the point of this whole weekend.”

Contact off-campus entertainment reporter Marissa Mikolak at [email protected].