AMC Theaters, the nation’s largest theater chain, announced Wednesday that it plans to open about two-thirds of its U.S. locations on September 3rd. More than 100 U.S. theaters will reopen on August 20, AMC added.
AMC said all of its remaining U.S. locations will reopen if state and local authorities say it is safe to do so, but did not say where it expected further delays. All their theaters in the Middle East and Europe will reopen on August 26.
In the statement announcing the reopening, the company provided a lengthy explanation of its plans to keep moviegoers safe – including restricting seating, practicing social distance, a mandatory mask policy, and additional cleaning and disinfection.
“Nothing is more important to AMC than your safety, and your trust in us to do what is right,” the company said.
The company also released new movies that will be available once the theater reopens, including the latest installation in the cinematic universe X-Men and Christopher Nolan’s long awaited “Tenet.”
The announcement comes after months of speculation about when and how theaters will reopen. In June, the company said it expected 97-98% of its theaters worldwide would open by mid-July. Days later was the company’s reorganization plan drawing controversy for not requiring face masks – but AMC later withdrew the course, saying all customers are required to wear a mask.
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