UltraStar celebrates 2 years of success Saturday

Two years ago, the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle opened in Maricopa, forever changing the local entertainment landscape.

The destination, which includes a 12-screen movie theater and eight other venues under one roof, has been popular with residents and casino guests alike. The ever-changing lineup of movies, entertainers and restaurant specials has been the secret to success.

“The first two years in business have been amazing,” said Adam Saks, vice president of UltraStar, the California-based company that runs the complex for Ak-Chin. “It is been a learning experience on so many levels.

“We have had to develop a business, a brand, a team and look toward a long-term strategy that will lead to the success of our operation,” he said. “There is nothing like our building, so, therefore there were no models to work off. We had to create it all. The Ak-Chin Indian Community had a clear vision; it was up to us to bring it to life.”

To celebrate the anniversary, UltraStar will have special offers and appearances all day Saturday, featuring an 8 p.m. performance by Pat DiNizio and the Smithereens. Saks said his goal has been to elevate the quality of service and customer expectations.

“We focus on quality and service, and we have seen our guests appreciate the passion our team as for what they do,” Saks said. “We have great food, and it does make the difference in your entertainment experience.”

In 2015, the Ak-Chin Conference Center will open, bringing more guests to the property.

“The region is in such dire need of quality meeting space,” Saks said. “Ours is going to be state-of-the-art.”

Saks said two new additions have been popular with customers, the Gamer Cave and the Luxe Lounge. The Gamer Cave offers amenities for Xbox, PlayStation and Wii lovers. And Luxe Lounge is for sports fans, 21 and older.
 
"Gamer Cave, this one-of-a-kind party room, is the ‘Happy Place’ of all gamers,” Saks said. “You get your own private room with Xbox, PlayStation or Wii. It is outfitted with comfy couches, a fridge full of Rockstar. Full food service is available.”

For Saturday’s celebration, Pat DiNizio was chosen as the headliner. He’s fresh off a yearlong engagement with his band at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas.

DiNizio and the Smithereens have released 23 albums since forming in the late 1970s.  His performance at Ak-Chin will be an exclusive, live acoustic multimedia show, combining the artist’s live performance and a review of musical history based on his experiences in a rare, unplugged performance.

The show is 18 and older. Tickets are $25 and available at the box office or can be purchased online at www.ultrastarakchin.com or at the door.

Saturday’s celebration also will include special deals. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can enjoy $2 movies, bowling games, laser tag and dollar-for-dollar matching at the arcade.

Live bands, kids’ activities and appearances from Arizona Rattlers players, the YellowHouse Dancers and Miss Indian Arizona highlight other entertainment options.

In addition, guests will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for $2 each for a chance to win Disneyland park-hopper passes for four.

“The Ak-Chin Indian Community is pleased to celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Multi-tainment Center and our continued history of bringing quality family entertainment to the Valley,” said Louis J. Manuel, Jr., chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.