Smaller Crowds Expected for 'Harry Potter' Movie Opening Tonight

Wizarding fans with lightning-shaped scars and broomsticks will be roaming the streets of Birmingham tonight, with the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 at the .

However, the Palladium in downtown Birmingham is expecting smaller crowds than previous years for the latest Harry Potter film opening. According to Tim Queen, general manager of the Palladium, preview sales have only filled less than two theaters' worth of seats.

The number of seats vary per theater, but Queen said the Palladium is filling its biggest theaters first, both of which seat 370 people.

When the sixth movie, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was released in July 2009, the Palladium had to show the film on all 12 of its screens, with 11 of those theaters completely packed, Queen said. Between 2,100 and 2,300 people went to the movies that night, he said.

The newest movie opening "doesn't seem as crazy as the last one, but I expect people to keep coming," Queen said.

By midnight Thursday night, Queen said he expects enough sales at the door to increase the number of theaters showing the film to four or six, seeing around 800 to 1,200 people.

The Palladium won't be offering any special activities or extras for fans Thursday night. He does expect, however, to see plenty of witches and wizards throughout the night.

"There is always a small contingent of fans that get into character," Queen said. "It will be fun."

Traditional literary hotspots, such as on Woodward and the , will be taking a pass on hosting events this year. However, there are plenty of other events around town for Potter fans:

Special showing with the BBFA

Building Better Families Through Action (BBFA) will host a showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 at 7 p.m. Friday at the Palladium. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or by calling 248-341-6340. All proceeds go toward BBFA and its programming.

Harry Potter Lock-In

will transform itself into Hogwarts on Friday night and kids grades 6-12 are invited to bring their sleeping bags for a Harry Potter Lock-In. Besides Potter-themed games and food, all participants will be able to catch a late-night showing of the film at the Palladium. Costumes are encouraged.

Dinner and a Movie

In addition to the standard popcorn and soda fare, the Palladium will also host a dinner Friday evening, leading up to a showing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $27 and include a dinner buffet, salad bar, dessert, coffee and all the popcorn and fountain drinks you want. Tickets also include designated seating in rows E-J.