Outdoor Cinema opens its second season at park

Downtown Springfield's Outdoor Cinema has started its second season.

The outdoor theater at Founder's Park is sponsored by the downtown Community Improvement District and shows movies at dusk every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 24. Founder's Park is located at the southwest corner of Jefferson and Water.

New this year, patrons can receive free tickets from participating downtown businesses.

"We will be giving out free cinema passes at retail outlets downtown," said Matt Miller, executive director of DDEC.net, the cinema's managing organization. "The idea is that we want to drive people to their businesses."

Miller said 36 downtown businesses are currently participating. Participating downtown businesses include the YMCA, Discovery Center, Har-Bell Athletic Goods, Springfield Little Theatre, Vandivort Center Theatre and Walnut Street Gallery. A list of participating businesses are found at www.itsalldowntown.com.

"The entire Springfield community has really rallied to make this a free event," Miller added. "It started with the support of the Downtown Community Improvement District and has since been embraced by businesses and individuals throughout the city."

Tickets also can be purchased at the door for $5. Founders Park seats up to 500 people and patrons should bring their own seating. The season opened July 5 with the showing of Black Hawk Down.