Northbrook’s local AMC movie theater is expected to reopen this week, according to AMC officials.
Following widespread closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, AMC Theatres announced recently that it will reopen buildings nationwide in several waves beginning Aug. 20.
Illinois is home to several dozen AMC Theatres locations, according to the AMC website. Northbrook’s location in Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, will reopen in the first wave on Thursday.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you back to the movies,” Adam Aron, CEO of AMC Entertainment Inc., said in a video message on the website.
To celebrate its 100-year anniversary and its reopening day, AMC is offering “movies in 2020 at 1920 prices,” according to the website. Tickets for movies on Aug. 20 will be sold for 15 cents plus tax.
A video on the AMC website also outlined changes movie-goers can expect to see as the theaters open, including mask requirements, social distancing and other procedural changes.
“As we reopen, we recognize that the world has changed,” Aron said. “As a result, the health and safety of our movie theater guests and our movie theater staff is our absolute highest priority at AMC.”
According to the video, auditoriums will be limited to 30% capacity or less, and officials are urging movie-goers to limit contact by ordering tickets and concessions online or through the app. Cash will not be allowed at concessions, where the menu will be temporarily limited and refills will be unavailable for the time being, according to the video.
Still, as movie theaters around the country begin to reopen, drive-in movies remain a popular option for those seeking more solitude. In addition to existing drive-in venues, makeshift outdoor movie screenings in fields and parking lots have popped up in the Chicago area this summer as families sought alternatives to the movie theater experience.
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in Northbrook will host its first drive-in experience on Friday with a viewing of “Back to the Future.” The movie night, offering 70 available parking spots, will take place at 7:45 p.m. in the YMCA parking lot at 2705 Techny Road.The organization asked for a $30 donation per car as part of its “Revive the Y” campaign, which provides financial aid for families in need, helps the YMCA with operational costs and pays staff wages, according to officials.
“When the pandemic hit and the weather got warmer, we wanted to come up with something creative to bring the community together in a safe and socially distanced way, plus help our Y with the costs of staying open,” said Kathy Fielding, North Suburban YMCA CEO. “We’re so excited to bring our families together again.”
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist