PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, movie theater chain Celebration Cinema announced its plans to reopen theaters on October 9 with COVID-19 precautions in mind.
The chain is able to reopen under recent Executive Orders from Governor Whitmer, which allow movie theaters and other businesses to reopen at a reduced capacity.
Similar to approaches by other theater chains, certain locations will be opening at different times. On October 9, Celebration North, Studio Park, Rivertown, Crossroads, Lansing, and Cinema Carousel will all open to the public.
Celebration South, Mount Pleasant, Benton Harbor, and Studio C Meridian Mall will open at a later time. Officials say patrons should plan visits around listed showtimes, as hours and days of operation will be reduced.
Among the precautions being taken include moviegoers being seated at least two seats away from each other in a reduced capacity, only seating every other row, the requirement of wearing masks inside (though it isn’t required for eating and drinking), and consistent sanitation of high-touch areas.
Cash will not be accepted at any of the locations for the time being. Officials highly encourage customers to purchase tickets ahead of time for each screening, as well as ordering food and drinks. This can be done through the cinema app or online at celebrationcinema.com. Service fees for doing so are currently waived.
More information about the reopening process can be found online at https://celebrationcinema.com/faq.
Celebration is only the latest theater chain to announce its reopening plans. Tuesday, GQT Movies announced its own plans to reopen theaters, with several similar measures being taken.
