SCOUTING YESTERDAY | Cinema’s Sioux Falls opening marks new chapter in market’s ongoing theater wars

This week in South Dakota history: Nov. 8-14

Jim Speirs and his jazz band, Standard Time, play for guests at Century Stadium 14. Photo: Argus Leader.

For the first time in four years, Carmike Cinemas and its three Sioux Falls locations had new competition when California-based Century Theatres opened on Nov. 11, 1999. Audiences were treated to a variety of shows on opening night, including Pokémon, Being John Malkovich and Happy, Texas, according to Argus Leader archives.

Carmike Cinemas and Century Theatres follow a long history of theaters in the city, dating back to 1877, when a small stage was opened on the second floor of the Van Eps building at the corner of Eighth Street and Phillips Avenue. The town’s lone show house was 22-feet wide and about 70-feet long with a stage at the east end.

Minnehaha County auditor, supporters defend 18-hour vote count