Pittsburgh movie theaters welcome back customers, hoping to spark a struggling industry

PITTSBURGH — With the unofficial start of summer kicking off on Monday, the major studios are hoping more and more people will return to their local theaters as summer blockbusters are released.

”I’m just excited not to wear a mask and need masks anymore,” said Ella Adelman, Pittsburgh.

Major movie theater chains AMC Entertainment, Regal Cinemas and Cinemark are no longer requiring customers who are fully vaccinated to wear masks.

”I know I’m excited. This is like our first movie we’ve seen in like two years,” said Adelman.

Adelman and her family visited the Cinemark Theater in McCandless to see Disney’s “Cruella.”

The entire family was excited about being out in public without having to wear a mask.

”Being vaccinated, I’m not really worried anymore. I’m just ready to get back to normal,” said Abby Adelman.

However, other vaccinated customers still chose to keep their masks on.

”I feel like we are conditioned now to wear masks. So, it is kind of hard even though I’ve been vaccinated for months,” said Sara Dietrich.

Theaters are still requiring customers who are not fully vaccinated and theater employees to wear masks, unless they are eating or drinking.

Dietrich tells Channel 11, she missed the food offered at the theaters.

”I’m excited to eat popcorn. Honest, I really miss movie theater popcorn,” said Dietrich.

All three chains are following local and state mandates, which are listed on their websites.

Movie theaters are still continuing to implement social distancing, cleaning protocols and limited capacity until further notice.

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