On December 1st, 1988 Leo Peterson founded what is now known as the Cinema 8 in Brookings, SD. Cinema 8 is a third-generation family owned business, with current owner Dick Peterson. Dan Peterson took over the family business when his father Leo Peterson passed away. When Dick Peterson was a junior in college majoring in physical education, his father asked him if he wanted to get into the family business, which has led to the position he is in today. Leo Peterson chose Brookings to build a state theater because of the university and the community of Brookings. Cinema 8 prides themselves in providing entertainment for people of all ages when the need to take time for themselves and have fun. Cinema 8 is constantly giving back to the Brookings community and the university, because they both reciprocate the support to the cinema. Cinema 8 offers $5 Tuesdays and does promotional events during Crazy Days and around the holidays. They have even started doing private showings to allow those who want to support the cinema but do not feel comfortable using it during regular business hours.