The Ticker gave readers a sneak peek at the new Cherry Blossom 14/IMAX multiplex Wednesday with a behind-the-scenes tour from developer Joe Sarafa, Zach Arvanis of general contractor Twin Shores Management and Cherry Blossom 14 managing director Bob Parsons. The 14-theater multiplex is one week away from its December 17 grand opening, which will feature the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

Among the facts shared by staff during The Ticker's tour (see photos here):

> Though December 17 "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" screenings were initially sold out throughout Traverse City, Cherry Blossom 14 has added additional screenings of the film. Tickets - including for a 10:30pm IMAX 3D screening - are now for sale online here.

> "Sisters" - starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey - will also open at the multiplex next weekend.

> The theater's lobby is set up in "stations," including a candy/concessions area where moviegoers first stop to buy snacks. If purchasing soda or popcorn, attendees will be given empty cups to fill on their own at the theater's Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and empty popcorn bags to take to the "Popcorn Factory" stand for filling, where they can also apply their own butter.

> The theater will serve beer and wine. Parsons says offerings will include popular domestics and likely some local products.

> IMAX will control the programming for all IMAX films shown at the theater. The rest of the multiplex will be programmed by Carmike and could include live-stream productions throughout the year. Four of the fourteen auditoriums - including the IMAX theater - are equipped for 3D screenings.

> Movietimes will typically begin around noon each day and end at 10-10:30pm. Thursdays-Saturdays wil often feature midnight shows. Super Bargain Matinee screenings will be available from 4-5:30pm for just $5.75.

> The Carmike rewards program previously offered at Horizon Cinemas and Grand Traverse Mall will continue to be offered at Cherry Blossom 14.

While December 17 is the theater's official grand opening, there will be a soft opening on December 16 to raise funds for American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan. A slate of recently released films - including "Jurassic World," "Trainwreck," "Inside Out" and "The Intern" - will be screened beginning at 5pm and continuing throughout the evening for just $2, with soda and popcorn also $2. Tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.