03.24.2008
‘Leatherheads’ premiere to be a red carpet affair
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Statesville might have missed its chance to be a part of the big promotional tour of the upcoming movie “Leatherheads,” but that doesn’t mean local residents who participated won’t get a premiere of their own.
WSIC 1400 AM’s Relay for Life team, Marquee Cinemas and the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce will host a tailgate-style premiere party April 4 in honor of the football-themed movie, which closed down part of Front Street for production in May.
For $25, a viewer can get a ticket to the red carpet premiere, all-you-can-eat Jay Bee’s hot dogs and other types of stadium food, a soda and maybe a few free items from the American Cancer Association.
Net proceeds from the event will go toward Relay for Life.
“It’s something really cool for us to do,” said WSIC Vice President Billy “Buck” Blevins.
Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce President David Bradley said it gives Statesville a chance to celebrate its role in the film.
“Leatherheads” is a romantic film set against the backdrop of small-town football in the 1920s. In May, fans gathered along Front and Center streets to get a glimpse of stars in the film, George Clooney, Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski.
Bradley said Statesville originally campaigned to be one of the premiere locations, competing against larger area venues.
A few months later, Bradley found out Universal Studios decided to handle the premieres themselves.
“They are doing a larger premier elsewhere,” said Matt Breeden, manager of Marquee Cinemas 10. One of the big premieres will be in Salisbury.
Bradley said a faux Joan and Melissa Rivers and the paparazzi from the Chamber’s “Night at the Oscars” celebration in January might make an appearance as well.
Breeden said none of the stars could make it to the Statesville event, but the theater staff is excited to play host.
Right now, the movie will play in one of the bigger theaters, which has 330 seats.
Breeden said the leftover tickets will be sold to the general public. If there is enough interest, the theater might arrange an additional showing.
“We really expect this to take off,” Breeden said.
Advance tickets will be sold on the chamber Web site and office off of Front Street.
Browse all our ‘Leatherheads’ coverage at Leatherheads Central.