If you grew up in Tucson, you probably have a specific memory of Century El Con Mall. Maybe it was the smell of the popcorn hitting you before you even cleared the glass doors, or that weird, sprawling parking lot that feels like it belongs to a different decade. Honestly, it kind of does.
While the rest of the city's retail landscape has been busy gutting itself or turning into "luxury lifestyle centers," the Cinemark Century El Con 20 and XD has just... stayed. It’s a survivor. But being a survivor in the movie theater business in 2026 comes with a lot of baggage and a whole lot of local debate.
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The El Con Identity Crisis
You’ll hear people call it "rundown." You’ll hear others call it "nostalgic." Both are probably right.
The Century El Con Mall theater isn't the shiny, new kid on the block anymore. It’s the veteran. Built back in 1999 as a 20-screen megaplex, it replaced an even older six-screen version from the late 70s. For a long time, it was the place to be. Now, it sits as an anchor for the El Con Center, an open-air hub that has seen department stores like JCPenney and Dillard's come and go like desert ghosts.
Here is the thing: if you go to the Cinemark at Park Place or the Century Tucson Marketplace, you’re getting the "NextGen" experience. We’re talking the Luxury Lounger recliners that practically turn into beds. At El Con? It's a different story. Most of the auditoriums still rock the older, stadium-style rocking seats.
They don't recline. They don't heat up.
For some, that’s a dealbreaker. But for a certain subset of Tucsonans, that’s exactly why they go. It feels like a real movie theater, not a first-class airplane cabin.
Why the Location Still Wins
Location is basically the only reason El Con hasn't been swallowed by the desert. It’s sitting right on Broadway Boulevard. It’s central.
If you live near the University of Arizona or in the Sam Hughes neighborhood, driving out to the east side or up to Oro Valley for a movie feels like a cross-country trek. El Con is right there. You can grab a burger at In-N-Out or some Chick-fil-A right in the same parking lot, then walk over to catch a 7:45 PM showing.
It’s convenient. Period.
What to Expect Inside Century El Con Mall
Walking into the lobby, you’re greeted by that massive, high-ceilinged space that was so popular in the late 90s. It’s got a bit of a "time capsule" vibe.
The concession stand is standard Cinemark fare—popcorn that’s usually hit-or-miss depending on the rush, those giant ICEEs, and the usual array of overpriced candy. Some regulars swear the popcorn here is saltier than the other locations. Whether that’s a pro or a con is up to you.
Screen Quality and Sound
Despite the older seating in many rooms, the tech hasn't totally stagnated. They have an XD (Extreme Digital) auditorium.
This is Cinemark’s version of IMAX. It’s got the wall-to-wall screen and a custom sound system that will absolutely rattle your teeth if you’re watching something like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple or the newest Avatar re-release.
- XD Screens: Best for blockbusters.
- Standard Screens: Smaller, more intimate, but sometimes feel a bit "dingy" if the bulb hasn't been swapped recently.
- Audio: Generally solid across the board; they haven't slacked on the surround sound maintenance.
The "Indie" Secret
One thing Century El Con Mall gets right—and this is a big one—is the programming.
While the big theaters often stick strictly to the Top 10 box office hits, El Con is known for keeping a few screens open for the "smaller" stuff. You’ll often find foreign films, limited-release indies, or even those Fathom Events (like the Royal Ballet or Met Opera screenings) that don't always make it to the "fancier" theaters.
It serves a diverse crowd. On a Tuesday night, you might have a group of college students seeing a horror flick in one room and a group of retirees watching a French drama in the next. It’s one of the few places in Tucson where that happens naturally.
The Reality Check: The "Rundown" Reputation
We have to be honest here. If you read the recent 2026 reviews, people aren't shy about the flaws.
The restrooms have seen better days. The carpets have that "I've seen a thousand spilled sodas" look. Sometimes the AC struggles in the middle of a 110-degree July afternoon, which is basically a crime in Arizona.
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But there’s a trade-off.
Because it’s not the "premier" destination, it’s often way less crowded. If you hate sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger who’s texting through the whole movie, El Con is your sanctuary. You can often find a showing where you’ve got a whole row to yourself. That peace and quiet? It’s worth the lack of a reclining footrest for a lot of people.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head to Century El Con Mall, don’t just wing it.
- Check the XD Schedule: If you’re going to spend the money, try to catch the film in the XD auditorium. The seat quality is generally better there, and the screen is significantly more impressive.
- Discount Tuesdays: Like most Cinemarks, they do the discount day. It gets crowded, but it’s the cheapest way to see a first-run movie in central Tucson.
- App Check: Use the Cinemark app to see which auditoriums have "Reserved Seating." Some of the smaller ones are still first-come, first-served, which can be a headache if you show up late.
- The Food Run: Skip the mall food court—most of it is gone anyway—and hit the outparcels. Habit Burger and Rubio's are right there and much better than a "mall pretzel."
Century El Con Mall might not be the future of cinema, but it’s a vital part of Tucson’s present. It’s accessible, it’s central, and it’s got a bit of soul that the newer, sanitized theaters lack. Just don't expect a heated massage chair, and you’ll have a great time.
Next Steps:
- Check Showtimes: View the current schedule for the XD screen to see if any blockbusters are playing.
- Join Cinemark Movie Rewards: If you visit more than once a month, the "Movie Club" membership usually pays for itself in waived fees and snack discounts.
- Verify Seating: Always check the seating map during the ticket checkout process to confirm if your specific auditorium has been upgraded to recliners or still features the classic rockers.