Cinemark Holdings Inc. will reopen its Cinemark Tinseltown and XD theater Aug. 14, according to a news release.
The global movie theater chain said in its Aug. 7 announcement that reopening Tinseltown and XD at 4535 Southside Blvd. is part of an expansion “test-and-learn” process for COVID-19 protocols.
Cinemark is testing the sanitation and coronavirus safety techniques at a limited number of U.S. theaters, the release said.
The theater chain also owns and operates Cinemark Durbin Park at 435 Durbin Pavilion Drive. That location was not included in the announcement.
Cinemark postponed its reopening twice, initially scheduled for July 3 followed by a plan to resume operations July 24, as U.S. movie studios delayed releases of summer blockbuster movies.
Tinseltown and XD will play classic films to start and offer traditional concessions and reduced prices, with $5 tickets for adults and $3 for children and seniors, according to the release.
Cinemark no longer will accept cash payments at the concession stand. Theaters will have a designated area where cash will be accepted and gift cards will be available.
Tickets will be refunded for customers who report signs of illness.
Cinemark also will offer private theater bookings for up to 20 people at $99.
The theater chain said it will enhance sanitation and will provide training and require wellness checks for employees prior to every shift.
Cinemark’s COVID-19 protocol will include:
• Staggered showtimes for physical distancing.
• Seat-buffering to block seats adjacent to a party upon ticket purchase.
• Mandatory face masks for all guests.
• Increased fresh air rate in its building HVAC systems.
• All public and high-touch spaces sanitized every 30 minutes.
• Each auditorium disinfected daily.
• Limited auditorium capacities.