Ahh… that movie theater popcorn is back

The movie theaters in Gainesville are dark, and that’s a good thing.

That giant bucket of hot, fresh, buttered popcorn tastes like a miracle after four months of lights on.  

Yes, things are different since the reopening two weeks ago, such as no drink or popcorn refills, and face masks are a must, but Regal Butler Town Center, Regal Royal Park and Regal Celebration Pointe are hosting new releases and bringing back some all-time favorites.

Some of the upcoming $5 Classics at Regal Butler: Sept. 20th is the Breakfast Club (1985), Sept. 27th is Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Oct. 4th is Friday the 13th – 40th Anniversary, Oct. 11th Psycho (1960) and Oct. 24th is Ghost (1990). 

Check out the Regal Butler calendar here.

Regal Royal Park will play the Classic “42” (2013) which chronicles Jackie Robinson becoming the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in 1947 and facing racism in the process. 

Check out the Regal Royal Park calendar here.

The newest Regal Celebration Pointe in town will host the latest new releases.

Check out the Regal Celebration Pointe calendar here.

New rules, new ways to reduce contact

* The theaters will be using contactless payment along with the ability to purchase tickets in advance on the Regal mobile app, guests will now have the ability to purchase concession items from the app.

*Employees will sanitize every auditorium and seat after each movie using new electrostatic ‘fogger’ equipment. This form of deep sanitization is highly effective in disinfecting all materials with a non-toxic formula that is fast drying.

*Regal employees will undergo daily health screenings including temperature checks where mandated. Employees will be required to wash hands at minimum every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on job role. All employees will be required to wear masks.

*The lobby: Guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while in the lobby, hallways and restrooms. As per our terms of admission, any guest not complying with our policies shall be asked to leave. Guests will be welcome to return once they are compliant.

*The concession stand: Every other register will be closed to maintain social distancing. A reduced menu offering will be temporarily available. Self-service condiment stands will be closed. Refills on large drinks and popcorn will be suspended. Locations featuring diners, restaurants and in-theatre ordering will have these services temporarily suspended. Locations with bars will remain open for walk-up service only.

*The auditorium: Guests will be required to wear face masks at all times while in the auditoriums. Masks can be removed inside the auditorium only while eating and drinking. Employees monitor auditoriums throughout each performance as standard practice. Where socially unacceptable behavior is observed, including the non-wearing of a mask, this will be addressed with the patron. Where required by state or county mandate, auditorium capacities will be reduced to 50 percent.

*The reservation system: Will maintain two empty seats between groups (one seat at recliner locations) to maintain proper social distancing throughout the movie. At theatres where performances are non-reserved, you will be requested to leave two seats between groups. Group sizes will only be limited where required by a state or county mandate.

For more details, go here.