KEARNEY, Neb. — Just one year after reopening following a massive renovation, Kearney Cinema 8 is set to close.

The theater announced on social media Tuesday that it will close at the end of the day on Thursday. The ownership group said in a news release that closing the theater is an incredibly difficult decision.

“The movie theater industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic, competition from streaming services, the writers and actors strike, lack of blockbuster releases and spiraling costs,” Kearney Cinema LLC managing member William Pollack said. “We are extremely appreciative of the longtime, steadfast patronage of our customers and staff.”

The theater shut down for nearly two years after a storm caused severe damage to the building’s roof, HVAC system and some of the interior on July 9, 2021. Ownership spent more than $4 million to renovate the facility and reopened it on April 3, 2023. The renovation included new screens, seats, speakers, carpet, lighting and more.

The news release says the ownership group is exploring opportunities for the building in the entertainment field. The 25,000-square-foot facility opened in 2007.

“We have been in discussions with potential investors interested in the property,” Pollack said. “We are optimistic that location will again soon be known as ‘the ultimate entertainment experience.’”

Kearney has two other existing theaters. The World Theatre is a single-screen, nonprofit theater downtown. Hilltop 4 is a four-screen theater owned by Golden Ticket Cinemas at the Hilltop Mall.