Tivoli Theatre Set To Reopen With 2nd Screen, More Concessions

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — After being closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove will welcome moviegoers again starting April 15.

The beloved theater has stayed busy since its March 16, 2020, closure by converting an adjacent storefront into a second theater space and expanding concessions, Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson told Patch. Johnson said the intimate new theater will feature a 20-foot wide screen, 31 heated recliners and two wheelchair-accessible seats.

“Nothing beats the heated power recliners,” Johnson said, adding that moviegoers can indulge in a greater variety of concessions too. The revamped concession area offers more points of sale to help reduce the need to wait in line. As an added treat, Tivoli customers will now be able to choose from four ICEE flavors that they can refill for free.

It's the "Little details that mean a lot," Johnson said. He explained that he thinks some customers will prefer the "immersive" experience of the more intimate new theater.

With the reopening comes increased safety measures, in addition to following nationwide Cinema Safe guidelines. Although Illinois theaters can currently reopen at 50 percent capacity, the Tivoli will only be able to allow around 25 percent of its capacity due to social distancing requirements.

“Because of social distancing, we’ll be lucky to get to 25 percent," Johnson said. He added, "It will be very limited as far as the seating goes."

Johnson said they've also worked to increase the outside air flow in the theater by 50 percent by opening the dampers on their HVAC fiters wider. The theater's air filtration system has also been upgraded with MERV 11 air filters.

Employees and customers will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, Johnson said. Customers can take off their masks to enjoy concessions and the theater will still offer free refills, but will replace your cup or container with each refill.

Other safety measures include "increased diligence and cleaning," Johnson said.

The Tivoli Theatre had originally planned to reopen its doors June 2020, but changed directions due to theater capacity limitations. The theater again sought to reopen in December 2020, but was unable to do so.

Thus, the Tivoli's upcoming reopening is highly anticipated by Johnson and customers alike.

Johnson said it has been "devastating to be closed for so long."

He added, "We’re just so excited to see the happy faces of people getting out and getting back to normal."

Classic Cinemas is also reopening its other Illinois theater locations on April 15.