Pay for View?
Theater chain to base ticket price on seat location
Lots of brick-and-mortar businesses are feeling pressure from online competition.
Take movie theaters. They used to be one of America’s most popular entertainment venues. But with the rise of streaming, many theaters are struggling and looking for ways to survive.
For example, one major chain, AMC, is rolling out a new plan called Sightline with ticket prices based on seat location.
For showings after 4 p.m., seats at the very front of the theater — and handicapped accessible seating areas — will be offered for less than the standard ticket price. While the most desirable seats in the middle of the theater will command a higher price. The rest of the seats will be sold at the standard ticket price.
If AMC is successful with the Sightline plan, it’s likely other chains will follow suit.
Supporters say that AMC is just doing what it can to stay afloat and to continue to provide the theater experience to moviegoers. Critics say the plan penalizes low income patrons and creates an elite space for those with more money to spend.
We want to know what you think. Would you be willing to pay more for a more desirable seat at the movie theater? Would you be more likely to pay less for a cheaper seat? Or would this make you think twice about going out to see a movie.
Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, Feb. 15. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St, Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.
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From facebook.com/texarkanagazette
■ Another commercial money grab! I tried to find the perfect gift but she already has me.
■ I’m single so i can buy myself flowers