Upgrades usher in new theater experience Published Jan. 12, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The base theater here is scheduled to close Jan. 18 until early April for renovations and upgrades. Some of the planned changes include a remodeled entryway, new auditorium seating, a digital projection and audio system, new paint, upgraded utilities in the bathrooms, new flooring, a replacement of the acoustic foam material, updated snack bar and a new theater screen. The more than $700,000 renovation is funded through shared financial contributions by the military Exchange service and Spangdahlem's 2011 Commander in Chief's Installation Excellence award money. The military owns the theater while the Exchange service operates it. "We're doing this renovation because the Airmen and families deserve it," said Spangdahlem Exchange Store Manager Bobby McNaire about the effort that went into being named the Air Force's best installation. "As a community, we all worked together to get this funding, so it's all about giving back to the people of Spangdahlem." Once the renovation is complete, Spangdahlem will be the first military installation in Germany to have both a digital projection and sound system, said Kleisch Werner, Exchange engineering chief, field support branch. The digital system produces better quality sound and video than the current reel system. The digital system allows the theater to show first-run movies as they become available since there will be no wait time for delivery of movie reels, said Michelle Hetcher, Exchange food court manager. If there is an increase in the customer base, the theater may extend their hours or include more movie showings on other days of the week. "The video and sound will be better, and the seats are more comfortable," she continued. "This is an all-around better experience for movie goers." Bitburg Annex's movie theater will open from Thursday to Sunday during the Spangdahlem theater renovation. Movie goers can find Bitburg's listings at http://www.shopmyexchange.com/ReelTimeTheatres/Movies-Bitburg.htm. Military reservations for the Spangdahlem Theater after the renovation will continue through the Eifel Community Center. Airmen interested in setting up commander's calls may call Andy Rice, community center director, at DSN 452-7260.