AMC Theatres plan on reopening over 100 theatres

AMC Theatres have been hit harder than a lot of businesses out there. Even as the world started to reopen, the logistics of people in movie theatres seems like it was about as hard as solving the Labyrinth.  After many delays, AMC will be opening back up starting August 20th.

The plan seems straight forward. Starting August 20 start opening back up. The goal is to get over 100 theatres back open by September 3rd. AMC has been delayed multiple times over based on COVID-19 and the spikes that the U.S. has seen. Even now as the United States continues to battle the virus, AMC has decided to finally take steps forward.

AMC

AMC is a movie theatre giant in the U.S. They operate approximately 600 theatres across the country. However, if you remember, the pandemic has not been kind to AMC. They spent a ton of money before the world shut down on new furniture and many other things for the theatres which racked up around $5 billion in debt. There were talks for a while about Amazon purchasing the theatre chain as their way to break into the movie world. The forced closures of the buildings and the uncertainty make the future look grim for them.

Opening Safely

The company will need to and have put some strict new policies in place. Masks must be worn by both staff and customers. Although this is a little different than their first communication of ‘highly encouraging clients to wear masks’, its good to see it changed. They will also be increasing their level of cleaning and disinfecting of high traffic areas. Hand sanitizers and wipes will be readily available as well. There will be significantly reduced seating in theatres and even high tech HEPA vacuums and upgraded MERV 13 air filters in the buildings.

AMC has a long road ahead of them. From the lack of new releases to the increased cost of operating in a time of the pandemic. I will say that I am happy to see them reopen. Going to the movies has been family fun through the generations. There is nothing better than overpriced popcorn, a sticky floor, and a movie that is turned just a little too much. I hope they are able to open safely and find financial stability.