As movie theater chains prepare to reopen, online movie ticketing company Fandango launched a new comprehensive program today to help moviegoers safely and confidently enjoy their return to theaters. Both Fandango’s website and mobile apps will provide a resource guide that includes information on the safety policies of over 100 theater chains (including mask and protective equipment policies), social distance seating maps, a new search filter to find reopened theaters by location, instructional videos, increased cleaning measures and more.
“At Fandango, our mission has always been super-serving fans with their entertainment needs, and we cannot wait to help fans get back to the big screen safely and at the right time,” Fandango President Paul Yanover said. “It’s a complicated rollout, with various states, cities and counties opening their venues in different phases. We hope Fandango will serve as a helpful one-stop resource for fans to find all the information and services they need for a comfortable return to their local theaters.”
This launch comes as many of the U.S.’s movie theaters are expected to reopen and go back to operation in July, just in time for the Russell Crowe thriller Unhinged, Hollywood’s first new nationwide release. Solstice Studios is set to open the film on July 10. While this is an optimistic step towards a semblance of normalcy for our country, it is still imperative that moviegoers and theater employers alike continue to maintain the health and safety measures set in place, even as restrictions loosen.
Fandango’s new program comes in the wake of the announcements by AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas that they would not require customers to wear face masks upon reopening. After receiving much public outcry and criticism, both theater chains have since announced that they would require face coverings at all reopening locations.