This week, the top eight cinema chains in the U.S. and Canada released a joint statement with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) pledging their commitment to spend a combined total of $2.2 billion to upgrade the amenities, technology, and facilities at their theatres. Taken together, these eight circuits operate 21,000 screens across North America, generating two-thirds of the domestic box office.
The eight circuits reporting their planned investments were AMC., Regal, Cinemark, Cineplex, Marcus., B&B, Harkins, and Santikos. Funds will be deployed to upgrade or replace screens, projectors, seats, and concessions options and to add new amenities such as on-site and in-theatre dining, bars, arcades, bowling, and other entertainment options.
NATO chief Michael O’Leary spoke with some journalists after the announcement, saying “I never thought when I took this job I’d be talking about pickleball courts as much as I am.” He was referring to B&B Theatres’ recently opened 12-screen theatre in Red Oak, Texas, south of Dallas, offering outdoor pickleball courts as one of its entertainment options.
The new facility also includes an on-site restaurant and bar, bowling, an arcade with prize redemption center, and concert space. O’Leary explained that these capital investments are “all part of us responding to what consumers want when they go out for an evening.”
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