Several theater chains are preparing to open their doors to the public in the coming weeks, and Fandango is rolling out a new feature to make it easier for people to find adequate health and safety information as they decide if they’re ready to return. .
Both the Fandango website and mobile apps will incorporate various resources, including socially distant seat maps, attendance policies provided by theater chains, and a new search filter to find reopened theaters. Within the individual security policies for different theaters, people will be able to find information on auditorium occupancy, mask policies, improved cleaning measures, plans for special concession services, and more.
“It is a complicated deployment, with several states, cities and counties opening their places in different phases,” Fandango president Paul Yanover said in a press release.
Several large theater chains have faced criticism in recent days due to the original plans to reopen. The AMC and Regal Cinemas theaters originally included masks as optional features for guests, but they quickly changed their policies after the public outcry. Bringing audiences to theaters during a pandemic can already be difficult, which is why studios like Warner Bros., Disney, Universal and Viacom have delayed their biggest movies. Many people on social media noted that without proper security protocols, such as mandatory face covers, it would be highly unlikely that they would buy a movie ticket any time soon.
The reopening of theaters continues to depend on state guidelines. Some will open before big summer releases planned, including Christopher Nolan Beginning and Disney Mulan. Some, however, will remain closed. Fandango’s new feature is designed to give people quick access to discover what’s going on at their local theater and how they can stay safe if they decide to venture out.
