What to Expect From AMC Theaters Opening
Date set: AMC Theaters will reopen on August 20th. When cinemas across the country closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, the company was celebrating its centenary and the country’s largest movie theater chain was set to reopen. despite widespread levels of infection with the virus and unclear long-term consequences , raging misinformation about how it spreads, and the continued lack of an effective vaccine . The obvious question is: what needs to be done to get moviegoers back to the local cinema?
AMC hopes to allay concerns with its Safe & Clean initiative in partnership with Clorox. Through the descriptions of “highly advanced cleaning” and “high-tech HEPA vacuums,” the company aims to instill confidence in customers that going to the movies can be safe according to their protocols. Along with its safety guidelines, AMC is amassing discounts and bonuses to lure out former customers – especially members of the AMC Stubs loyalty program – who might want to ditch their health concerns in order to get a great bargain at the party.
AMC’s Welcome Message explores six aspects of AMC’s Safety and Cleanliness practice, but it is easy to categorize them as: What are you doing to keep me safe? and “What are you doing to make the deal better?” I wouldn’t blame you for avoiding to ensure that not going to the movies is 100% effective against getting infected from indoor movie theaters, but for those considering returning, here’s what you can expect:
Gradual deployment
Not all theaters open right away. AMC follows local regulations, which means your theater can open its doors on August 20th or wait a little longer. Not sure if theaters will reopen in your area? You can use this guide , which features AMC theaters by state.
Limited capacity
Theaters will operate with limited bandwidth – maximum 30%. All the other rows will be locked, and if you can’t find a place where you feel comfortable withdrawn, you can request a refund before the movie starts.
Mask requirements excluding
This is an important question as AMC changed course after first announcing in June that masks would be encouraged but not required. According to their new guidelines, masks are indeed required, with a notable exception: masks “can be taken off while you enjoy your food and drink.” The controversial neck gaiters cannot be used as a mask, as are open-chin bandanas and masks with vents or exhalation valves, but guests can obviously take off their masks or take them off entirely to eat and drink. For many (including me), such a gaping loophole is enough to undermine the credibility of the plan beyond recovery, such as a minor design flaw in the Death Star, which is by no means secondary.
New cleaning protocols
There is no shortage of fantastic-sounding phrases in the letter to convince you that AMC is serious about cleaning. In addition to routine cleaning, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems were upgraded with MERV 13 air filters ; “Electrostatic disinfectant sprays” will use “negative ions” to clean surfaces between inspections; and carpets will be vacuumed every night with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Screens will be spaced farther apart to give extra time for thorough cleaning, and staff will check the temperature before each shift.
Deals to lure you back
Due to the lack of new blockbusters, classic films will be re-screened for cheap and cheap, and perks will be reduced, but the best benefits will remain for loyalty club members – AMC Stubs, AMC Stubs Premiere , AMC Stubs Insider and AMC Stubs A-List . Expect extended perks by October 31st, including double points on purchases and the option to use any birthday perks you might have missed while theaters were closed. AMC Stubs A-List members will also see an extra $ 10 in bonus bucks added to their accounts, which they can reactivate when ready (although by December 1st, your AMC A-List membership will automatically reactivate for you, so which be sure to cancel if you don’t want this to happen).