Megaplex Theatres Reopen With Private Family Movie Screenings
May 16, 2020, 11:53 AM | Updated: Sep 5, 2022, 11:04 pm
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Larry H. Miller Megaplex Theatres reopened four of its locations in a limited capacity Friday with reservation-only, private family movie screenings.
The theaters had been closed for nearly eight weeks amid a slew of social distancing measures and restrictions that were enacted to counter the spread of COVID-19.
Workers exhibited a dedication to cleaning and sanitizing prior to opening.
“We’ve been spending months and days preparing for this day of reopening, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Corina Nelson, general manager of the Megaplex Theatres at The District, who was seen wearing a mask. “You couldn’t see that I’m smiling as I’m talking to the guests, but I couldn’t help but smile.”
The Centerville, Lehi and St. George locations were also offering the private family screenings, which Nelson said could include groups of up to 20 people.
“They’re bringing their closest loved ones, they get the whole auditorium to themselves,” Nelson said. “They also get a large beverage and a large popcorn for each guest who comes to their private screening.
The advertised price for the private family movies package was $375.
Multiple families took advantage of the opportunity Friday.
Cory Rallison said his family was getting “stir-crazy,” and so a night at the theater seemed like a good outing.
“Everyone’s really excited,” he said. “I don’t think they cared what the movie was. It’s just good to get out of the house and go see a movie.”
Nelson said numerous classics and recent release movies were available for families to select.
Rallison and his family chose the 2016 film, “Jason Bourne.”
“It’s really up to the guests and what they’re interested in,” Nelson acknowledged.
Nelson said it was uncertain when Megaplex might move back toward more traditional movie-going, noting that it hinged, in part, on when Hollywood decided to begin releasing new films in theaters.
She characterized the limited reopening as a “baby step,” as the theater’s two-month ‘intermission’ came to a close.
“It’s just wonderful to see that our state is rebounding,” Nelson said. “We’re getting back into the right place where we can start experiencing these moments together again.”
