Downtown Clearwater is preparing for one of its most ambitious redevelopment projects in decades as EVO Entertainment has announced plans to build its flagship family entertainment center at the gateway to the Cleveland Street corridor. The approximately $50 million private investment aims to transform an underutilized section of downtown into a year-round destination for residents, visitors, and families throughout the Tampa Bay region.
A New Era for Downtown Clearwater
The planned development will occupy approximately 83,000 square feet at the corner of Cleveland Street and Myrtle Avenue, creating a modern entertainment hub that blends premium cinema, dining, interactive attractions, and social gathering spaces.
More than simply adding another movie theater, the project represents a broader vision of creating an all-day entertainment destination designed to encourage people to spend more time exploring downtown Clearwater’s restaurants, retail shops, and public spaces. The project is positioned as a cornerstone of the ongoing revitalization efforts along Cleveland Street.
Home to the World’s Largest Cinema Screen
Perhaps the most attention-grabbing feature is what developers say will become the world’s largest cinema screen, measuring more than 130 feet wide.
The flagship auditorium is planned to feature:
According to the announcement, the Clearwater location will also become the first multiplex in the world where every auditorium includes both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology, establishing a new benchmark for premium movie-going experiences.
More Than Movies
EVO Entertainment’s concept extends well beyond traditional cinema.
Visitors can expect a complete family entertainment experience including:
- Seven luxury movie theaters
- Bowling lanes
- Laser tag
- Modern arcade gaming
- Interactive attractions
- Full-service dining
- Event and gathering spaces
Rather than encouraging guests to simply watch a movie and leave, the destination is designed to keep families and groups engaged for several hours through a combination of entertainment, dining, and social experiences.
Supporting Downtown Revitalization
The entertainment center is expected to become a major anchor for Cleveland Street’s redevelopment.
The Cleveland Street Alliance has been restoring historic buildings, attracting new restaurants and businesses, and reimagining downtown as a vibrant destination. By adding a large-scale attraction capable of drawing visitors throughout the week, the organization hopes to create increased foot traffic that benefits neighboring businesses.
If successful, the project could encourage additional private investment while strengthening downtown Clearwater’s position as a regional destination for entertainment and tourism.
Leadership Vision
Mitch Roberts, Founder and CEO of Elevate Entertainment Group, described the project as more than simply another theater.
From a cinema worthy of the global stage to a world-class family entertainment center, EVO Entertainment Clearwater will set a new standard for out-of-home entertainment.” Cleveland Street Alliance
Dolby Laboratories also highlighted the significance of the project.
Jed Harmsen, Vice President and General Manager of Cinema & Group Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories, noted that combining Dolby Vision with Dolby Atmos creates an experience audiences actively seek out, reinforcing the industry’s continued investment in premium theatrical experiences.
Economic Impact
Projects of this scale often extend benefits beyond the entertainment venue itself.
Potential impacts include:
- Increased tourism to downtown Clearwater
- Additional restaurant and retail activity
- New employment opportunities
- Expanded evening and weekend foot traffic
- Increased local business visibility
- Continued private investment in surrounding properties
Large destination entertainment centers frequently serve as catalysts for nearby commercial growth, particularly when paired with restaurants, retail districts, and public gathering spaces.
What Comes Next
As of the latest project update, site preparation and demolition have been completed, with the development moving into the design and permitting phase ahead of construction. An official groundbreaking or opening date has not yet been announced.
Why This Matters
For many years, residents have expressed interest in seeing additional family-friendly attractions in downtown Clearwater. If completed as planned, EVO Entertainment would introduce a destination unlike anything currently available in the region—combining premium cinema technology with interactive entertainment under one roof.
Alongside recent investments in Coachman Park, new restaurants, historic building restorations, and waterfront improvements, the project represents another significant step toward positioning downtown Clearwater as a vibrant destination for both residents and visitors.
Whether guests come for a blockbuster movie on a record-setting screen, a night of bowling with friends, or a full evening of dining and entertainment, EVO Entertainment has the potential to become one of downtown Clearwater’s signature attractions.
Source: Cleveland Street Alliance official announcement. Project details are based on the official April 2026 announcement and subsequent publicly available project updates.
