Light! Camera! Action! Get ready, film fanatics. The time you can sit in a darkened theater, munch on popcorn and and enjoy all of the action on the big screen is coming soon. Regal Cinemas has just announced they plan on starting up the reels again on August 21. The reopening plans include a wide range of new health and safety measures based on guidelines provided from the CDC and other public health organizations.
The two biggest questions…
Can I still go with friends and family?
Yes. However, group sizes will only be limited, when mandated by local governance.
Will I be required to wear a face covering?
All employees and customers will wear masks, where mandated by local governance.
The plan also includes safety measures based on feedback received from its employees and customers that they have deemed most important in reopening safely, including contactless payment options and innovative sanitizing methods.
Contactless Payment
Along with the ability to purchase tickets in advance on the Regal mobile app, customers will now have the ability to purchase concession items from the app.
ULV Foggers
Every auditorium and seat will be sanitized, after each movie — using new electrostatic ‘fogger’ equipment. This form of deep sanitization is highly-effective in disinfecting all materials with a non-toxic formula that is fast drying.
Plus, each location will sanitize high-contact points on an increased schedule and use floor markers to assist with social distancing.
Additionally, new safety measures encompassing the entire moviegoing experience will be implemented, providing a safe venue for employees and customers.
The other changes include the following:
Regal Employees
Employees will undergo daily health screenings, including temperature checks where mandated.
In addition, employees will be required to wash their hands at a minimum every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on job responsibilities.
Lobby
Greeters will be located in the lobby to assist guests with new procedural changes.
Customers will be encouraged to enter the auditorium as soon as possible and exit quickly at the conclusion of the movie.
Wall-mounted sanitizer dispensers will be available on either side of the main entrance.
Arcade games, vending machines and water fountains will be closed and not be available for use.
Concession Stand
Every other register will be closed to maintain social distancing. A reduced menu will be temporarily available.
Self-service condiment stands will be closed.
Refills on large drinks and popcorn will be suspended. (Locations featuring diners, restaurants and in-theatre ordering will all be temporarily suspended.)
Locations with bars will remain open for walk-up service only.
Auditorium
Where required by local governance, auditorium capacities will be reduced to 50%.
The chain’s reservation system will maintain two empty seats between groups to maintain proper social distancing.
With locations offering recliners, there will only be a one-seat gap.
At locations where performances are non-reserved, you will be requested to leave two seats between groups.
For more information about its reopening, click here.
Let’s go to the movies!
UPDATE: When it reopens, Regal Cinemas is bringing back classics to the big screen with tickets just $5 for adults and $3 for children. Click here for Regal’s tweet.
The bring-back titles include the following:
Inception
The Goonies
The Empire Strikes Back
Black Panther
Bloodshot
Sonic The Hedgehog
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Deadpool
Forgiven
Brenda Lockhart says
I’m a little confused about the contactless payment options. Do tickets need to be purchased through the Regal app ~ or can I purchase my ticket with my bank card at the theater?
Bryan says
Brenda – We believe tickets are only available online or via the app. There are no box office ticket sales. However, please address any questions to Regal directly for clarification. -BKC