Champaign-Urbana loves to go to the movies, and thank goodness the movies love us back.
Here’s how to get good deals on going to the movies in Champaign-Urbana, including senior discount information as well as other options. While we do our best to keep up with these, please note that pricing is subject to change at any time for any reason.
Savoy 16
WHERE IS IT: 232 W. Burwash Ave., Savoy (located just south of Champaign off Route 45)
DISCOUNT: Senior discounts are available for adults 62+.
A DEEPER LOOK: Currently, the senior price for an evening standard showing is $8, or $2.25 less than the standard general admission; for matinees (before 6 pm), tickets are $6.75 compared to $8 for adults. For the evening best deal of the week, go on Tuesdays, when all shows are $7.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Savoy 16 also offers free/$1 movies in the fall and spring on the weekends; these movies are free if you are a member of the GTQ Rewards Club; those movies are typically animated, so expect a lot of kids. There’s also low-cost movies in the summer on weekday mornings.
BEST KNOWN FOR: Savoy 16 is fairly typical of a multiplex, with a variety of first-run movie experiences. It has an arcade in the facility (good to know if you bring the grandkids). This is the only IMAX facility in the community.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Accessible seating is available. All theaters have closed-caption capability and Descriptive Narration available.
AMC Champaign 13
WHERE IS IT: 910 Meijer Avenue, Champaign (located on the North Prospect shopping corridor)
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Senior discounts are available for adults 60+.
A DEEPER LOOK: Pricing at AMC Champaign 13 has multiple tiers depending on the type of movie you attend (standard digital vs. Big D) Go on Tuesdays for an even deeper discount, if you join the loyalty program. The evening show discount is far greater ($3) than the matinee discount (20 cents) from the general admission price. Premium pricing for some shows may negate discounts.
BEST KNOWN FOR: AMC Champaign is fairly typical of a multiplex, with a variety of first-run movie experiences. It boasts the most comprehensive concession stand of any movie experience in the area.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Accessible seating is available. Most theaters have closed caption capability. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are available for all movies at AMC locations.
Art Theater, downtown Champaign:
WHERE IS IT: Located in downtown Champaign at 126 West Church Street. If you drive, park in the Hill Street Parking Deck.
DISCOUNT: Senior discounts are available; you must ask at the register (60+), not available for online purchase.
DEEPER LOOK: As of Sept. 2019, Senior (60+) Matinee Shows (before 6:00pm): $8.00; Senior (60+) Feature Shows (after 6:00pm): $8.25
BEST KNOWN FOR: Showing art-house films. The Art is an old-school theater with one screen. It also hosts film festivals year-round such as the LGBTQ film festival, Jewish film festival, and others. Sometimes films will have discussions afterward with experts. The Art is a non-profit that offers memberships at various levels.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Accessible seating is available, but bathrooms are not accessible.
Virginia Theatre, downtown Champaign
WHERE IS IT: 203 W. Park Avenue, Champaign. On the western edge of downtown Champaign.
DISCOUNT: None for movies. However, at $5-$6 general admission, these are generally among the most affordable showings in town for a big screen.
BEST KNOWN FOR: There is perhaps no larger screen in the community than the one at the Virginia Theatre, and it’s quite a treat to see a movie there. Movies are often shown on Tuesday and Thursdays, as well as on some weekends. Find everything to modern day classics to literal classics in the lineup.
WHAT ELSE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: The Virginia Theatre has updated its restrooms to be ADA-compliant and includes transfer seating on both levels plus wheelchair-accessible seating on the auditorium’s main floor. Assisted listening devices are available upon request.