Local Theater Reopens

After a long year of watching movies at home as a result of COVID restrictions, the time has come to watch movies on the big screen again.

Bluefield, West Virginia’s AMC Theater located behind Mercer Mall has officially reopened, and the theater is following strict COVID-19 procedures to ensure that all auditoriums are kept clean and safe for guests.

“We recognize that the world has changed,” said AMC chief executive officer Adam Aron in a video published on the AMC website. “As a result, the health and safety of our movie theater guests and our movie theater staff is our absolute highest priority at AMC.”

The Bluefield AMC Theater is currently showing movies only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays due to the company’s newly implemented Safe & Clean policies. According to the AMC website, these policies include:

• Masks are required for all guests and crew members.
• Masks must be worn unless you are enjoying food and drinks.
• Auditorium capacities reduced to 40 percent maximum. 
• Social distancing standards.
• Nightly use of vacuums with HEPA filters, which are proven to trap 99.97 percent of airborne particles. 
• Use of electrostatic disinfectant sprayers in theater before each show. 
• Upgraded MERV 13 air filters for improved air quality. 
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipe stations. 
• Cashless transactions. 
• Daily associate health screenings. 
• Temporarily limited menu at concession stands.  

As a result of the policies listed above, visitors can expect many changes to their movie theater experience. First, visitors must be prepared for a temperature check upon arrival. Second, visitors must remember that cash is not currently an accepted payment method at AMC theaters. Third, visitors must also remember that the concession menus are limited. Napkins, lids, straws, popcorn butter, and other condiments are available by request only. 

In addition to attending public movie showings, guests can also reserve their own Safe & Clean private theater at AMC for groups of two to 20. The rate for this new service begins at $99 and is a great way to ensure your party has a safe visit to the theater. 

While some may feel apprehensive about returning to the theater, others like BC student Warren Lester are overjoyed.

“I am incredibly excited to go back to AMC!” Lester said. “As a huge fan of films, I have been missing the experience of going to the theater with my friends and seeing a film, whether it be good or bad.”

Lester added that he’s especially excited about seeing “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “The French Dispatch.”

“Although I’m sure many will be concerned to go, I for one am not worried,” Lester said. “I got the chance to go see a film around Christmas when they were briefly reopened and found their COVID protocol to be both accommodating and safe.”

Tickets and concessions may be purchased at the theater, online, or through the AMC mobile app. For more information, visit the AMC website at amctheatres.com or download the AMC app on your mobile device.