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A week of problems upon problems for Spring Lane Cinemas in Sanford has ended on an extremely positive note with a big announcement.

East Coast Entertainment — formerly All-Star Entertainment and former owner of the Sanford theater — reacquired Spring Lane from Frank Theaters this week. East Coast also owns Northgate 10 in Durham, according to Northgate’s website.

The news means significant (positive) changes for customers, according to Assistant Manager Jared Campbell, from facility improvements to significantly lowered prices for tickets and concessions.

“This is the best news we could have received for this place,” said Campbell, who’s been with Spring Lane for about seven years. “[The acquisition] has been a long process, but once it’s all said and done, it will be a significant change for the better for this town. I’m really excited about the future here.”

Campbell said new carpet and digital menu boards will be added in the coming weeks, and a needed paint job is on the way.

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But the biggest change will be the lowered prices, which went into effect this week. Adult tickets have dropped from $11 to $9.50, and the new “Take 5 Tuesdays” will feature $5 tickets. A large popcorn will now cost you $7 (down from $10), and candy has dropped from $4 to $6 down to $2.50 to $3.50. Hot dogs are now $3.50 (formerly $6), and bottled water — the top seller, according to Campbell — is now $3.50 (down from $5.50).

The theater reopened on Friday after closing its doors Wednesday and Thursday because of a reported computer virus. The Pilot in Southern Pines reported in January that Frank Theaters filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December after losing more than $10 million in 2018.

According to Campbell, the theater will maintain regular hours as improvements are made.