The Centre Cinema in Rugby, North Dakota may not be open in 2013, according to an article published today in the Pierce County Tribune:

Due to an industry change all over the United States switching from film to digital, the smaller theaters are at a disadvantage.The digital equipment it takes to show this new format is too costly to purchase. Add to that the fact that not enough people go to the theater to watch movies on a regular basis and small theaters all over the country are succumbing to technological advances. In this, the 21st Century, new technology has taken over and edged the small theaters out of business.

Rugby is no exception. Too few people attend movies at the local Centre Cinema, which means the theater cannot cover the overhead much less purchase expensive, but necessary, new equipment.

"Even if we made the conversion, there wouldn't be enough people using it," said David "DJ" Anderson, current owner.

Click the Read link below to view the full article.

Moviegoers in Rugby will have to do some driving to find a movie on the big screen if/when the theater does close. Here is a list of theaters within 50 miles, which shows the choices available.