AMC Theatres Announces Reopening Of Cinemas Starting Aug. 20

TAMPA, FL — Film lovers can once again escape into a darkened movie theater with a tub of buttered popcorn in hand. AMC Theatres, the nation's largest movie theater chain, announced Thursday it will reopen more than 100 cinemas by Aug. 20 and another 300 theaters between Aug. 27 and Sept. 3.

This includes the eight cinemas in Tampa Bay, which have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To celebrate its 100-year anniversary, AMC announced it will offer "Movies in 2020 at 1920 Prices" on Aug. 20.

Afterward, AMC Theatres will roll out a $5 ticket promotion for classic films including "Inception," "Black Panther," "Back to the Future," "Ghostbusters," "Grease" and "Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back."

Upcoming premiers include the long-awaited release of Disney's "The New Mutants" on Aug. 28 and Warner Bros.' "Tenet" on Sept. 3.

A handful of smaller new releases are also planned for late August, including "Unhinged," a thriller from Solstice Studios with Russell Crowe; and Armando Iannucci's "Personal History of David Copperfield," from Disney's Fox Searchlight.

"We are thrilled to once again open our doors to American moviegoers who are looking for an opportunity to get out of their houses and apartments and escape into the magic of the movies," said Adam Aron, CEO and president of AMC Theatres, in a statement.

After originally stating in June guests would not be required to wear masks when theaters reopened, AMC Theatres reversed the policy following online backlash. All guests will be required to wear masks at all times except while eating and drinking.

The company also announced a number of other health and safety policies that will be in place in response to coronavirus guidelines including fewer touch points, simplified menus for shorter lines at concessions and reduced auditorium capacities for social distancing. A complete list of new policies can be found here.

AMC has 1,000 locations across the globe, with more than 11,000 screens.

Tampa Bay AMC Theatres reopening on Aug. 20:

AMC The Regency 20, 2496 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon,

AMC Veterans 24, 9302 Anderson Road, Tampa

AMC West Shore 14, 210 Westshore Plaza, Tampa

AMC Woodlands Square 20, 3128 Tampa Road, Oldsmar

Reopening Aug. 27:

AMC Bradenton 20, 2507 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton

AMC Sarasota 12, 8201 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

AMC Sundial 12, 151 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg,

And reopening Sept. 3:

AMC CLASSIC Palm Harbor 10, 37912 U.S. 19 N., Palm Harbor.