Theaters finally begin process of reopening
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, theaters are in the process of reopening in the central Michigan area.
Since the nationwide shutdowns in March, theaters have been closed due concerns about spreading COVID-19. Recently, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued executive orders to allow theaters, performance venues, arcades, bingo halls, bowling centers, indoor climbing facilities, amusement parks, trampoline parks and other activity-related businesses to reopen with some restrictions on Friday, Oct. 9.
With this in mind, Celebration Cinema will be reopening theaters in Grand Rapids (Celebration Cinema North GR), Grandville, Lansing, Portage, and Muskegon — but will reopen the Mount Pleasant Benton Harbor, and Celebration South GR location likely reopen later this month.
“We’ll see how they do and see if it’sw orth it to reopen the rest of the Celebration theaters,” Celebration Cinema Mt. Pleasant general manager, Christopher Couling said.
Themt. Pleasant location has been closed for half of 2020.
“It’s been a difficult time,” Couling said. “All of the employees were on furlough and many won’t return due to various reasons like them being gradating students or finding other jobs.”
Celebration will be following Cinema safe guidelines, which were reviewed by Dr. Anthony Fauci and leading Michigan epidemiologists Dr. Sims. The guidelines Celebration will be implementing includes:
• Physical distancing measures will include reduced seating capacity, in accordance with CDC and local health department guidelines. Reserved seating will automatically space groups apart from each other.
•Celebration cinema staff will use personal protective equipment, including face masks. Guests are required to wear masks, though they may be removed when a guest is seated and enjoying their popcorn and other movie snacks.
• All customers are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets online at celebrationcinema.com or via the Celebration Cinema app. Online convenience fees are temporarily waived to minimize lines.
• Celebration Cinema will not be accepting cash for payment. Please plan for online, credit card or gift card purchases only.
• Frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces will be ongoing, and deep cleaning overnight.
• Movie treats will be available. Avoid lines by purchasing on the Celebration Cinema website or app for delivery direct to your theatre seat.
Once Celebration reopens, they will likely be showing “Tenet” as well as some independent films and classic films.
NCG Cinema in Alma will be reopening on Friday andwill likely showing “Tenet,” “Unhinged,” and “New Mutants.”
“We will be also bringing back some older throwback movies,” Tim Dilts, a representative from NCG Cinema, said.
NCG has faced similar struggles to Celebration though some NCG theaters have hosted multiple popcorn to go nights.
“It was a huge success and showed us how much our customers love going to the movies,” Dilts said. “So we are very excited about Friday.”
Ncg cinema will also be operating with a limited seating capacity as well as following other guidelines.
“Our staff is dedicated to keeping all high traffic touch points sanitized throughout the day,” Dilts said. “We have increased the time In between showings to allow for more time to sanitize each theater. We will also have a limited concession menu such as popcorn, soft drinks, frozen drinks, and candy.”