Ponca City is celebrating a major quality-of-life milestone with the reopening of its movie theater after a four-year gap. Icon Cinemas has completed a full renovation of the Prospect Avenue location and is unveiling a modern, fully updated four-plex theater which is the result of a strategic partnership with the Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA).
The Icon Cinemas Ponca City theater now features luxury recliners, upgraded digital projection and enhanced sound, and refreshed concession offerings, with beer and wine coming soon. Moviegoers can reserve their seats online at IconCinemas.com.
Icon Cinemas operates locations across the region including Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and two additional theaters in Oklahoma and brings a proven track record of community-centered service and modern theater experiences.
This project reflects PCDA’s broader efforts to strengthen Ponca City’s workforce ecosystem by supporting amenities that help attract and retain talent.
“This is a workforce development project at its core,” said Liz Leaming, Director of Retail and Workforce Development at PCDA. “People want to live and stay in communities with great places to shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment. The reopening of this theater brings those community ties back to Ponca City, and the extra tax base doesn’t hurt either.”
Over the past several years, PCDA has prioritized projects that enhance community vibrancy, create activity hubs, and reinforce Ponca City as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The theater reopening aligns with the same outcomes delivered through other PCDA initiatives, from industry expansions to retail recruitment, childcare support and placemaking projects at City Central and throughout the community.
“PCDA is happy to bring this project to life, and we are so proud to support Ponca City in this way,” said Lori Henderson, Executive Director of PCDA. “This project reflects the kind of partnership that continues to move our community forward.”
Icon Cinemas owner and operator Stetson Snell expressed enthusiasm for Ponca City’s momentum and community support.
“Ponca City is a great community, and Icon Cinemas is excited to serve all of you for years to come,” Snell said.
The remodeling effort relied heavily on the work of local contractors, whose craftsmanship helped ensure a high-quality and timely transformation. PCDA and Icon Cinemas extend special thanks to Waldorf Heat and Air, Stolhand-Wells Group, American Roofing, McDonald Electric, Spiva Painting, Adams Plumbing, and Mike Snow Construction.
Icon Cinemas also expresses gratitude to the Ponca City community for the strong interest in employment. The new team is already demonstrating the high-quality service Ponca City is known for.
With expanded amenities, local investment, and a renewed sense of community excitement, the reopening of Icon Cinemas represents more than the return of movies it is a meaningful step in Ponca City’s continued growth and economic vibrancy.
The theater will opened its doors to the public beginning 12/4/25. Showtimes and ticketing available at IconCinemas.com.
