AMC Theatres are rolling out seat-specific pricing at all locations by the end of the year

Seating at AMC Theatres is about to get more cutthroat as the theater chain plans to implement seat-specific pricing as early as this week. The initiative is called Sightline and introduces a three-tier pricing structure similar to sporting, live concert, or Broadway seating plans. In other words, you’ll be paying more or less for the cinematic experience, depending on where you want to park your duff.

As you might have guessed, seats closest to the screen will be available at a lower price, while seats in the middle will cost extra. The rollout begins this Friday at select AMC locations in New York, Chicago, and Kansas City and will expand to all domestic AMC locations by the end of the year.

The first ticket option is Standard Sightline, referred to as “seats that are the most common in auditoriums and are available for the traditional cost of a ticket.” Next is Value Sightline, described as “seats in the front row of the auditorium, as well as select ADA seats in each auditorium, and are available at a lower price than standard sightline seats.” Furthermore, Value Sightline pricing is only available to AMC Stubs members, including the free tier membership. The last tier is Preferred Sightline, which refers to “seats in the middle of the auditorium and are priced at a premium to standard sightline seats.”

Sight maps detailing sections of the theater and seating price points will be available online and at ticket counters. AMC will enforce Sightline for showtimes beginning after 4 p.m. at participating theaters. Sightline will not be available on Discount Tuesdays when all movies are $5.

“Sightline at AMC more closely aligns AMC’s seat pricing approach to that of many other entertainment venues, offering experienced-based pricing and another way for moviegoers to find value at the movies,” said Eliot Hamlisch, executive VP and CMO at AMC Theatres. “While every seat at AMC delivers an amazing moviegoing experience, we know there are some moviegoers who prioritize their specific seat and others who prioritize value moviegoing. Sightline at AMC accommodates both sentiments to help ensure that our guests have more control over their experience, so that every trip to an AMC is a great one.”

Woof! The response to this is sure to be glowingly positive, eh? There’s nothing quite like paying more for a theater experience when ticket prices and concessions are already sky-high. Audiences must move quickly to pre-order tickets to snag their preferred seats. Additionally, depending on where you like to sit, your standard ticket price could be more expensive by the end of this week. I bet chiropractors are licking their lips and rubbing their paws together at the thought of all those craned necks coming in for an adjustment.

What do you think about AMC Theatres implementing seat-specific pricing tiers? Where do you like to sit when you go to the movies? I’m a top-row person myself. My bank card is about to get more of a workout going forward. Thanks, AMC!