Cinema United and the Cinema Foundation are teaming up to bring two-for-one concessions and additional discounts to movie theaters around the country on Friday, Aug. 22. It is part of an inaugural event called “Date Night @ The Movies,” sponsored by Fandango.
On that Friday, thousands of participating theaters will offer special two-for-one deals on popcorn, candy, drinks and even movie promotions. The event is meant to get people back into the theaters, ideally going as couples or duos. Mike Bowers, chair of the Cinema Foundation explains, “‘Date Night @ the Movies’ is a celebration of the long-lasting memories we create and share at the cinema. This one-night only event is all about enjoying the big screen with someone special, whether it’s your partner, best friend, new friend, family member or movie-loving plus one.”
“Date Night @ The Movies” comes on the heels of other promotional “@ The Movies” campaigns put on by Cinema United and the Cinema Foundation. In January, they created National Popcorn Day and, in April, they brought the Sneak Peek Showcase to theaters across the country. Fandango has served as the presenting sponsors for all “@ The Movies” campaigns thus far.
Arriving at the summer’s tail end, “Date Night @ The Movies” coincides with the release of Michael Angelo Covino’s “Splitsville,” Ron Howard’s “Eden,” and Ethan Coen’s “Honey Don’t!,” plus earlier openings like “Together” and “Weapons.” With no tentpole movies entering theaters that weekend and other summer hits like “Superman” and “Fantastic Four: First Steps” likely entering their twilight weeks, the special event might provide an unexpected spike in an otherwise quiet week at the box office.