The long wait is over. After the closing of the Varsity Theatre, and then the Ames Theatre, the new Varsity 2 is almost ready to open.

“We’re intending to be open Friday,” said Jim Nicholas, purchasing and concessions manager for the new theater.

Several months of construction have resulted in the addition of a new auditorium and a complete overhaul of the existing auditorium. Theater officials hope the theater will be ready by tomorrow to show The Phantom and Whoopie Goldberg’s new movie, Eddie.

Both theaters have an upgraded sound system and generally improved facilities, said Eric Jefferies, Varsity employee. Jefferies said the new auditorium is a little smaller than the existing one, but the seats are brand new with all the amenities, including cup holders.

The opening of the new auditorium means a permanent goodbye to the old Ames Theatre and its nostalgic balcony.