Creative entertainment that won't break the bank
Patricia Moore
Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: Features
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Luckily, there are several local venues that provide students with affordable recreational options.
The Pollack Tempe Cinema offers an alternative to the standard dinner and a movie type of date. Admittance is regularly $3 and $2 on Tuesdays.
The theater shows a variety of popular movies on a "second run" basis, which means the films are no longer available in first run theaters such as AMC or Harkins, but haven't yet been released on DVD. Tempe Cinema also offers One Night Cinema, a weekly event featuring independent and foreign films.
The One Night Cinema event starts on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday and Monday at 3 p.m.
"We're not here to make money," said manager Adam Schenk.
The theater is a personal hobby for owner, Michael Pollack, which is why the lobby is decorated with a museum's worth of memorabilia from Pollack's private collection. The atmosphere is eccentric and kitschy, but it's all part of the charm.
Bowling is another inexpensive option for a casual date or a night out with friends.
For a new twist to an old standby, Brunswick Zone has introduced cosmic bowling. Glow in the dark lanes, black lights, dance lights and popular music create a unique and fun environment.
Directly across the street from the MCC campus, Brunswick offers Bowlapalooza every Wednesday night from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. Bowling prices are reduced by $2 and drink prices are also discounted.
For those who enjoy a more traditional bowling experience, Brunswick offers 99 cent games from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and unlimited bowling for $7 on Monday and Tuesday from 9 p.m. until midnight.
In addition to bowling, there are 5 billiards tables, Noble Roman's Pizza and a variety of arcade games available.
Another form of inexpensive entertainment is First Friday, which is completely free to the public.
First Friday is a self-guided tour of art galleries, studios and art spaces and takes place from 6 p.m. until 10p.m. on the first Friday of every month in downtown Phoenix.
Live music performances are notoriously expensive but many local bars and clubs provide live entertainment without the inflated ticket prices of stadium concerts.
Some options are the Rhythm Room on Indian School in Phoenix which offers live Jazz performances with a cover charge ranging from $7 to $12.
Baja Tilly's, located on Broadway in Tempe, is another fun alternative featuring local Latin bands on Friday and Saturday with a $10 cover charge after 8 p.m.
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