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AMC Theatre’s reopening in Surprise could be right around the corner — but with massive changes in a four-phase restart.
After fearing the worst that maybe the theater chain wasn’t going to reopen again anywhere because of the COVID-19, it looks like Surprise Pointe 14, 13649 N. Litchfield Road, is on track to reopen sometime in July.
Although, some fear COVID-19 could change those plans again with cases on the rise in Arizona.
Adam Aron, CEO and president of AMC Theatres, announced last week that reports of the company’s struggles were exaggerated and openings would take place at 90% of its theaters by the end of July.
“We have not yet specified which theaters will be among the 450 to reopen on July 15,” AMC spokesman Ryan Noonan said. “But as that number is nearly 75% of our circuit, we anticipate that guests will be able to return to their favorite AMC in most, if not all, major markets on that day.”
The reopening schedule for specific theatres will be announced in early July.
“If not that day, then the remaining theatres should be open within the next week, assuming local ordinance permits it,” Mr. Noonan said.
AMC is hoping to have more than 600 of its theaters opened by the time of Disney’s release of “Mulan,” which debuts July 24 and Warner Bros.’ release of “Tenet,” which is scheduled to open in mid-August.
Here is what the four phase reopening of AMC’s theaters will look like:
Phase 1 will cap seating capacity at 30%.
Phase 2 will cap capacity at 40% and block out seats on either side of every party.
Phase 3 will cap capacity at around half, by Labor Day.
Phase 4 is expected to return to full capacity, with plans to do that by Thanksgiving.
To keep the theaters clean, AMC is launching a comprehensive health and sanitation program called “AMC Safe and Clean.”
It will require all moviegoers to wear masks, except while eating and drinking.
Guests unwilling to wear one won’t be admitted or allowed to stay. But to make things easier, the theater will sell a mask for $1.
All theater associates will be required to wear masks while working as well. They’ll also have their temperature taken and undergo a health assessment screening before their shifts. Anybody with a fever or symptoms will be paid but won’t be allowed to work.
Employees will be undergoing training on new procedures over the next few weeks.
The theater’s snack bar will have a reduced menu to help reduce wait times in the lobby.
Former NAU Lumberjack who loves going to concerts (or I did), watching sports (or I did) and hanging out with friends (oh, never mind). I also enjoy backgammon, surfing and men who are not afraid to cry.
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