If you haven’t been to the movies at the Long Beach Towne Center in a while, you’re in for a shock. Honestly. The old Edwards Long Beach Stadium 26—the one with the neon, the giant "Queen Mary" themed auditorium, and those slightly stiff stadium seats—basically doesn’t exist anymore.
It’s now officially the Regal Long Beach.
The transition hasn’t just been a name change. It’s been a massive, slow-motion overhaul that has completely rewritten the experience of seeing movies Edwards Long Beach regulars grew up with. Regal (which took over the Edwards brand years ago) finally decided to gut the place. As of early 2026, the transformation is nearly finished, and it’s a weird mix of ultra-modern tech and a few lingering ghosts of the 1990s.
The Big Remodel: What’s Actually New?
For years, this place felt like a time capsule. You’d walk in and see that iconic 1999 Edwards decor. But throughout 2025, crews started ripping out the old neon and replacing the box office with sleek, orange-branded kiosks.
The biggest change? The seats.
Most of the 26 auditoriums have been converted to luxury recliner seating. If you’ve ever sat through a three-hour epic in the old stadium seats, you know why this matters. However, it’s not a total sweep. There are still about six auditoriums—specifically #3, #4, #12, #15, #23, and #24—that kept the original Edwards-era stadium layout and decor. It’s a bit of a gamble when you buy a ticket; you’re either getting a plush motorized lounge chair or a nostalgic trip back to the Clinton administration.
The Tech Upgrade
They didn't just stop at the chairs. The theater now functions as a "premium experience" hub for Southern California.
- 4DX (Auditorium 11): This is the one where the seats move, and it literally sprays water or scents at you. It seats 136 people and is usually packed for the big Marvel or Disney releases.
- ScreenX (Auditorium 17): A 270-degree wrap-around screen. It’s specialized, so only certain movies use the side walls, but it’s a trip if you’ve never seen it.
- IMAX (Auditorium 26): This was recently refreshed with a new seating capacity of 140. It’s smaller than it used to be because the new seats take up way more space, but the sightlines are much better now.
The Vibe Shift at Long Beach Towne Center
The theater isn’t the only thing changing. In late 2025, the entire Long Beach Towne Center was sold in a massive $143 million deal to CenterCal Properties and DRA Advisors. They are currently in the middle of a "lifestyle" refresh.
What does that mean for you?
Well, the theater now has a full bar right next to the main concession stand. You can grab a craft beer or a cocktail and take it into the movie. They also removed the secondary concession stands that used to be hidden in the back hallways. It makes the lobby feel way more open, but man, the lines at the main counter can get brutal on a Friday night.
They’ve also added digital poster boards. All those physical paper posters you used to see? Mostly gone. It’s all screens now. Some people hate it—calling it "corporate and gray"—but you can't deny the projection quality is better than it’s ever been since they swapped to all-laser systems.
Getting Tickets and Navigating the Crowds
Because this is one of the largest multiplexes in the region, showtimes are constant. You’ve got everything from the massive blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash to niche foreign language films. Recently, they’ve even been leaning into live events like UFC 324 or concert films from the likes of Stray Kids and Twenty One Pilots.
A few pro tips for your next visit:
- Check the Seating Icon: When you’re booking on the Regal app or Fandango, look for the "Recliner" label. If it doesn't say it, you’re likely in one of the old-school rooms.
- The Kiosks are Tricky: The new kiosks have a larger UI, but the QR scanner is in a weird spot. You have to hold your phone centered underneath the screen, not off to the side where the light seems to be pointing.
- Parking Hack: The lot right in front of the theater is a nightmare. Honestly, just park behind the Dave & Buster's or near the Sam’s Club side and walk the extra two minutes. You’ll save ten minutes of circling like a shark.
The Future of the Theater
There’s been some worry about movie theaters closing down—especially with places like the Regency Calabasas getting demolished for apartments. But the Long Beach Regal seems safe for now. The new owners of the Towne Center are betting big on "experiential retail." They want you to go to Dave & Buster's, grab dinner at one of the new chef-driven spots they're bringing in, and then hit the 4DX screen.
It’s definitely not the neon-soaked palace it was in the 90s. It’s more "polished" and "modern" now. Whether that’s a good thing depends on how much you miss those old Edwards popcorn buckets.
Next Steps for Your Visit
- Join Regal Unlimited: If you plan on seeing more than two movies a month at this location, the subscription pays for itself, especially with the 10% discount on those pricey concessions.
- Verify Showtimes Early: Because of the ongoing mall renovations, some pedestrian pathways are occasionally blocked. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to navigate the construction outside before your movie starts.
- Check the IMAX Schedule: If you’re a purist, make sure the film was actually shot for IMAX; otherwise, the 4DX room in Auditorium 11 is often a more "fun" use of the premium ticket price.