(PCM+)New ICON Theater to Reopen at AMC Site

Create Jobs and Revitalize Entertainment Scene

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

Ponca City Development Authority (PCDA) is our local economic development engine. An award-winning and accredited economic development organization, PCDA was developed to help facilitate industry growth in our community, but their scope and reach goes so much further than that. They are invested in ensuring that Ponca City grows in every way. An important focus in economic development is workforce. PCDA’s Ponca Works program is dedicated to connecting local employers with the skilled individuals they need to grow their businesses. A key element to attracting workers is being able to show them a vibrant and thriving community.

When Ponca City’s AMC Theater closed permanently in 2020, PCDA staff saw what a blow this was to our community. They knew losing this avenue of entertainment would affect workforce recruitment. Per the stipulations of their trust, PCDA has always been able to incentivize entertainment. First-class entertainment is key to job recruitment and retention. Plain and simple, people don’t want to move to a community that doesn’t offer much to do. PCDA staff had discussed incentivizing a movie Theater for more than 10 years but knew the right project would need to come along at the right time to ensure maximum benefit for Ponca City and its citizens.