Like many other public venues, cinemas have not been spared from the coronavirus shut down, leaving many moviegoers no other choice than to wait it out until they see the big screens again. But it appears that’s not necessarily the case everywhere.
A resourceful cineplex in Schertz, Texas, has unveiled this weekend its initiative to turn the parking lot of its closed movie theater into a “drive-in” cinema — providing movie fans an out-of-home outlet to watch recent Hollywood blockbusters.
Every evening, movie fans can park their cars in the theater parking lot and enjoy a film from the COVID-safe confines of their automobile. And the best of it, the screenings are free — tho reservations are highly recommended — and patrons can order food from the theater’s kitchen.
The cinema has taken significant measures to ensure the health of its patrons. Guests will have the opportunity to order menu items from the theater kitchen via a custom mobile ordering interface that was built specifically for this initiative. All payments are made through the app and no cash is accepted. When orders are ready, an EVO employee equipped with protective gloves brings the items to the driver’s side door.
As for the technical part of it, the exterior wall of the theater was painted with high-grain white paint for increased visibility and sound is transmitted directly to each vehicle through AM/FM radios. Everything else is also well thought through: indoor restrooms are available with sanitary and social distancing measures in place; films begin at dusk and end in time to meet the local area’s 10 p.m. curfew restriction.
The coronavirus may have brought the world to a halt, but initiatives like these serve as a testament that even in times of adversity the community spirit cannot be torn apart.
