Shaquille O’Neal Now Newark Movie Theater Co-Owner

Shaquille O'Neal has a new kind of movie project: theater owner.

Basketball star O'Neal grew up in Newark. He now co-owns and operates the CityPlex 12 theater near the city's downtown.

O'Neal and Newark Mayor Cory Booker formally opened the rehabbed, expanded theater Friday afternoon. It includes an auditorium with a 47-foot-wide screen. It partially reopened in May after being closed for renovations.

The project added six screens and 20,000 feet to the theater on Springfield Ave.

O'Neal joked that the theater shouldn't screen his movie `Kazaam' if it wants to stay in business.

Funding for the $7 million project came from Goldman Sachs Urban Investment group and other development companies.

The theater will hold a promotion called "30 Days of Shaqness" that offers discounts and promotions.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)