Help with choosing projector for new theater

I'm new to the forum, but have been lurking for a little while. I just finished my basement. my "theater" is more of a media room. It is 16 x17 with the back wall being pocket doors that slide into wall to open up to the rest of the basement. Primary use is sports/movies with secondary video games. The room itself is light controlled with only one small window. Sound proofing has been done, except obviously the pocket door, which isn't a big issue. I have it wired for 7.1 surround and put in 2.5 inch pvc piping as conduit for cables. I have 2 questions:
1) Thoughts on Projector? Budget is around 2500. I've researched the Epson 5010 and the Panasonic AE7000, but could I do the Epson 3010? or other projector. Is the 5010 or 7000 worth the extra money for my use.
2) This room seem big enough for 7.1? I've got my eye on the Yamaha V673.

Dimensions: 16 x17 feet with back doors closed ( ran into problems with wet bar area and rec room, so couldn't make it longer!)
Tray ceiling at 8.5 feet with soffits at 7.5 feet, projector could be mounted on either.

I appreciate any input, because I am really new at this stuff!

Thanks very much! I'll take your advice and send my question on projectors to that forum. I will post pics tomorrow. I do not have any real furniture yet, but have some ideas that I will share with the pics. I have no risers due to wanting to open up the room for sporting events.

Alright, here are some new pics. As I said I don't have any furniture for it yet, right now, as I plan the rest of the theater, it has a couch and a small LCD TV in for my kids.





I'm not sure about that nook in back. It was in my basement foundation. I figure I make a built in cabinet, but I'm open to suggestions.

The doors are 3 feet wide, with 3.5 feet of open wall inside theater to each side.

what time in fall do new models tend to role out?

I also need something that can work for sports with mild ambient light. Will the JVC's work?

Thanks for the replies!