If you grew up in West Little Rock, you probably remember when the theater at the Promenade was the absolute pinnacle of a Friday night. It was "the Rave" back in the day, then it became AMC Chenal 9, and for a long time, it was the only place you’d even consider for a massive blockbuster release. Honestly, though, if you haven’t been in a while, the current state of the place might surprise you. It’s a weird mix of cutting-edge tech and "wait, is that duct tape on my seat?"
People in central Arkansas are pretty divided on this spot. You’ve got the die-hard IMAX fans who won't go anywhere else, and then you’ve got the folks who swear off it because of the maintenance issues. Let’s get into what’s actually happening behind those glass doors in 2026.
The IMAX Draw: Is It Still the Best Screen in Town?
Look, the main reason anyone drives out to Chenal Parkway for a movie is the IMAX. It is still a heavy hitter. When you’re watching something like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the newest 28 Years Later sequel, that screen size is hard to beat. The sound system in that specific auditorium is loud. Like, "feel it in your ribcage" loud.
But here is the catch. The IMAX auditorium is where most of the complaints live. For years, locals have been pointing out that the seating in there hasn't aged well. We're talking about AMC Signature Recliners that have seen better days. It's common to find cracked faux leather or controls that are a bit finicky.
Some regulars even suggest wearing a hoodie just so your skin doesn't have to touch the peeling material. It’s a bit of a bummer because the actual projection—the laser-aligned audio and the massive image—is still top-tier for the region. You basically have to decide if you care more about the visual "wow" factor or the physical comfort of the chair.
Navigating the Prices and "Discount Tuesdays"
Movies aren't cheap anymore. If you walk in on a Saturday night and grab a large popcorn and a couple of tickets, you might feel a bit of sticker shock. We're talking $50 or $60 for two people easily if you're hitting the IMAX and the concession stand.
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However, there are ways to game the system at AMC Chenal 9.
- Discount Tuesdays: This is still the gold standard. If you’re an AMC Stubs member (even the free "Insider" tier), tickets are significantly cheaper. It makes a $15-20 ticket feel much more reasonable.
- Matinee Pricing: If you can catch a show before 4:00 PM, you usually save about 20% off the evening price.
- The Stubs Program: Seriously, just join the free version. You get your points, and occasionally you’ll get a $5 reward that covers at least a portion of your overpriced (but delicious) popcorn.
The concessions here are pretty standard for an AMC. You’ve got the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which are great until they run out of the good flavors on a busy Friday night. They also have the MacGuffins Bar, so you can grab a beer or a cocktail to take into the theater. It's a nice touch for the "Date Night" crowd, even if the drink prices are exactly what you'd expect from a high-end shopping center.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
The theater is tucked right into The Promenade at Chenal. This is both a blessing and a curse. People assume because it’s in a "fancy" outdoor mall, the theater should be pristine. That’s why the reviews get so heated—expectations are high.
If you’re planning a whole evening, the location is actually great. You can grab dinner at Big Bad Breakfast (if it's an early show) or hit up one of the nearby spots like Local Lime or YaYa’s Euro Bistro. It’s a very "West Little Rock" experience. You park once, eat, walk around, and then head into the AC for a three-hour flick.
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Pros of the Chenal 9 Experience
- Mobile Ordering: You can order your popcorn and snacks on the app before you even leave your house. It actually works pretty well here, saving you from that 15-minute line.
- Reserved Seating: No more sprinting into the theater to put a coat over four seats. You pick your spot when you buy the ticket.
- IMAX Tech: Despite the seat wear and tear, the actual projector and sound setup in the IMAX room is still arguably the most immersive in Central Arkansas.
Cons You Should Know Before Going
- Maintenance Woes: As mentioned, the seats in some auditoriums (especially the IMAX) are showing their age.
- Staffing Levels: Like everywhere else, they sometimes seem a bit short-staffed. If the theater is packed, expect the lobby to look a little "lived-in" by the 9:00 PM showings.
- Cleanliness: It’s hit or miss. Some days it’s spotless; other days, you might find a stray popcorn bucket from the previous screening under your seat.
The Verdict for 2026
Is it still worth going? If you’re a technical cinephile who wants the biggest screen possible, AMC Chenal 9 is still your primary destination in Little Rock. The IMAX experience provides a scale that the smaller "boutique" theaters just can't match.
But if you’re someone who prioritizes a "luxury" feel and pristine leather seats, you might find yourself leaning toward the Cinemark Colonel Glenn or even Movie Tavern. Those spots have slightly newer interior finishes, though their screens don't always have the same "oomph" as the IMAX.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the seat map: When booking on the AMC app, look for the seat layout. If you see a lot of "broken" or grayed-out seats in a row, that’s a red flag that the row might have maintenance issues.
- Join Stubs: Do this before you buy. The savings on a Tuesday alone pay for the "effort" of signing up.
- Arrive 15 minutes late: AMC is notorious for 20+ minutes of trailers. If the movie "starts" at 7:00, the actual feature likely won't hit the screen until 7:22.
- Bring a jacket: The AC in the IMAX auditorium is notoriously aggressive. Even in the middle of an Arkansas July, you'll probably want a layer.