-Editorial
The Calexico 10 Theaters opened in 1999 during a landmark year for the film industry, debuting as the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace dominated global cinemas and became the top-grossing film of the year, earning approximately $924 million worldwide. Now, in 2026, the theater is set to close its doors permanently, ending its run as a community entertainment venue nearly 27 years after it began, with the film “Michael” leading the box office at the time of its closure.
The City of Calexico announced that Metro Theatres has formally notified the City that the Calexico 10 Theatre will cease operations after its final day of business on May 3, 2026.
Metro Theatres said the closure follows ongoing industry and economic challenges that have made continued operations financially unsustainable. The company indicated it will begin shutting down the facility in the days immediately after closing.
City Manager Benjamin Martinez acknowledged the decision and noted the theater’s longstanding role in the community.
“The Calexico 10 Theatre has been a valued part of our community for many years, providing entertainment and a gathering place for residents and families,” Martinez said. “While we understand the economic realities behind this decision, the closure is certainly a loss for our city.”
City officials said they are coordinating with Metro Theatres to ensure an orderly transition, including addressing utilities and site management. The city is also exploring potential redevelopment opportunities and future uses for the property.
“This moment presents both a challenge and an opportunity,” Martinez said. “We remain committed to fostering economic growth and will actively seek partners and innovative solutions to revitalize this site in a way that benefits the Calexico community.”
History of the Movie Theater
Nearly three decades ago, a high-stakes negotiation unfolded behind closed doors and at public meetings, ultimately paving the way for the return of a movie theater to Calexico after nearly 20 years without one.
In the summer of 1998, city officials, developers, and property owners were locked in a tense, weeklong series of negotiations over a proposed 10-screen theater complex planned for a five-acre parcel next to the Best Western John Jay Inn. The land, owned by Raul and Alicia Estrada, became the focal point of a broader political and financial debate that had been simmering for nearly two years.
At the center of the controversy was the Calexico Redevelopment Agency’s proposed use of $1 million in public funds to acquire the property, a move that drew scrutiny from residents and skepticism from some elected officials. The project itself had already been approved by a previous agency board, but a recent election brought new members into office, raising doubts about whether the agreement would survive.
By early August, the situation had reached a breaking point. Agency board members signaled they were prepared to withdraw both their support and funding if a final agreement was not reached. The possibility of the project collapsing loomed large, with delays and disagreements fueling concerns that Calexico might once again miss an opportunity to restore a long-absent form of local entertainment.
On the morning of Aug. 4, 1998, just hours before a scheduled special meeting of the Redevelopment Agency, a breakthrough occurred. The Estradas signed the necessary documents to sell the property, effectively securing the deal and averting what many expected to be a contentious public showdown later that evening.
That night, City Manager Henry Legaspi announced that the agreement had been finalized under terms previously approved earlier in the year. The announcement marked the end of a prolonged and often divisive chapter in local policymaking.
The project moved forward with Metropolitan Theater Corp. of Los Angeles set to operate the cinema, and Oliphant and Williams Inc. of Palm Desert serving as developers. At the time, officials estimated the theater could open within eight months of the start of construction.
