Carmike Cinemas, continuing its rollout of the “BigD” format, said it plans to open a 13-screen theater complex in El Paso, Texas.

The Columbus-based motion-picture exhibitor said its Carmike 13 is being constructed by Dallas-based Anthony Properties as part of a 230-acre multi-use development in a growing area of El Paso, which is home to the U.S. Army installation Fort Bliss. The development includes a Lowe’s Home Improvement Center and a Walmart Supercenter.

The 2,800-seat digital complex will include Carmike’s signature BigD auditorium, which includes a large wall-to-wall screen, an upgraded sound system and high-back rocking seats. It will seat nearly 600. The theater’s lobby will include one-stop ticketing and concessions and Coca-Cola Freestyle self-serve drink machines.

Anthony Properties said it has built more than 40 theaters for Carmike, which is moving toward property leases rather than building its own structures.

Carmike President and Chief Executive Officer David Passman said several more BigD-anchored complexes are planned this year and next. Locations include the cities of Cleveland, Tenn.; Sandestin, Fla.; Jacksonville, N.C.; Winchester, Va.; and Decatur, Ala.

The company now has 233 theaters with 2,245 screens in 35 states. Most are digital with a large number of screens equipped to show 3-D movies.

— Tony Adams