More than 1,000 tickets sold in Colorado Springs for ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’

Lines of “Star Wars” fans gathered at movie theaters across Colorado Springs as early as Wednesday morning to see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

The first showing premiered at 7 p.m. Thursday.

“It was everything I wanted and more. It was mind blowing,” said one fan. “It was amazing. The best night of my life. I cried,” said another fan.

Thursday, the Cinemark Carefree Circle And IMAX Theater sold over 1,000 tickets for the 7p.m. showing. A total of six shows were sold out for the night.

Several fans came dressed in character.

“I’m Jabba the Hutt. It wouldn’t be complete without Slave Leia,” said Daniel Detusch who he and his wife made their outfits by hand. “I made it out of aluminum wire and twisted into a frame and painted it gold,” said Heather Detusch.

250 military members part of the 501st Legion in Colorado Springs dressed like storm troopers. “Instead of collecting the action figure, I became the action figure,” said Brent McClay.

Every outfit and prop was examined closely by security and police officers.

“The staff seems like they’re pretty on top of it. I saw someone ask a person to not bring their light sabers in,” said Matthew Johnson.

“Many theaters have hired extra officers, which means they have increased police presence,” said Lt. Catherine Buckley with Colorado Springs Police.