Movie News

Texas cinema company EVO acquires Austin arthouse chain Violet Crown

Violet Crown

An Austin arthouse theater chain has been acquired by another: Violet Crown Cinemas, which launched in Austin in 2010, has been acquired by EVO Entertainment Group, the Austin-based entertainment company which will forthwith begin operating as Elevate Entertainment Group (EEG).

Currently, EEG operates 15 cinema entertainment centers across the United States, with an additional four in the pipeline.

According to a release, this will include four Violet Crown venues: Austin, West Village - Dallas, Charlottesville, and Santa Fe, adding a total of 30 screens to the group’s 172 already in operation.

The acquisition will diversify EEG’s offerings with its arthouse focus. The acquisition is planned to close by December 2023.

Violet Crown Cinemas will continue to operate under the Violet Crown name and brand.

Bill Banowsky, founder and CEO of Violet Crown Cinemas, said in a statement that, “our journey with Violet Crown has been extraordinary. We've cultivated a unique moviegoing experience that caters to film lovers, and that remains unchanged. I am confident that this acquisition will continue to bring the best film experience to the community, and am grateful that we found a team with the resources, passion, and vision to take Violet Crown to the next level.”

Banowsky, who has a long history in the film industry, will remain a part of Violet Crown Cinemas as an equity partner. Banowsky started his cinema journey in 2001, when he founded Magnolia Pictures, which he sold in 2003. He served as CEO of Landmark Theatres from 2003-2007, then founded Carolina Cinemas in 2008, and started Violet Crown Cinemas in 2010.

Violet Crown opened its first location in Austin, Texas, in 2011 with a focus on art films and hospitality.

Mitch Roberts, founder and CEO of EEG, has a similar legacy as a fourth-generation cinema operator who has grown the company since 2014 to the fastest growing cinema entertainment center organization in the country.

Roberts said in a statement, “Today’s news marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of our long term vision for the future of cinema and entertainment. As an Austin local, Violet Crown is a brand close to my heart and I am honored to be trusted with the task of preserving and expanding their legacy.”

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Celebrity Fights

How to catch the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight at AT&T Stadium Arlington

Photo courtesy of Dog Haus

In his spare time, Jake Paul is also designing menu items for Dog Haus.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul had to wait an extra four months for his high-profile match with 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.

The delay from the original plan for July was caused by Tyson having a medical episode on a plane and needing time to recover from a stomach ulcer.

But now the rescheduled bout is set for November 15 at the $1.2 billion retractable-roof home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys in Arlington. The state has sanctioned it as a pro fight with some modifications.

Here's a guide for watching the fight:

When is the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight?

It's hard to give an exact time for the main event Friday night, but it could approach 11 pm. The telecast starts at 7 pm Dallas time.

Is the Tyson-Paul fight free on Netflix?

While this isn't the more common, and more expensive, pay-per-view format followed by most major boxing events, it does require a Netflix subscription. Netflix reported more than 280 million subscribers worldwide at the end of the third quarter in 2024.

What are the odds on the Tyson-Paul fight?

Paul is a minus-200 betting favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. That means the payout for a Paul victory would be about half the amount of any bet. The most bet prop is for Tyson to win by KO/TKO or DQ (+275), followed by Tyson to win on points (+1000) and Tyson to win in the first round (+1400).

What's the age difference between the fighters?

It's 31 years. Paul is 27.

When was Tyson's last sanctioned fight?

Tyson retired in 2005 with a record of 50-6, with 44 knockouts, after losing to Kevin McBride. He fought Roy Jones Jr. in an exhibition four years ago. Paul is 10-1 with seven knockouts against mostly undistinguished opponents. His loss was to Tommy Fury, the less-accomplished half-brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

How many rounds are scheduled for the Tyson-Paul fight?

The fight is scheduled for eight two-minute rounds, as opposed to the normal three minutes and 10 or 12 rounds for most pro fights. Tyson and Paul also will use heavier gloves with the idea of decreasing the power of punches. The gloves will be 14 ounces instead of 10. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has said Tyson's physical condition met the criteria for the fight to proceed.

What are the purses?

According to reports, Paul will make $40 million and Tyson about $20 million. Paul did mention his number at a news conference in August.

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