CUE THE END OF QUEUES: THE ALAMO IS DOING AWAY WITH LINES BEFORE MOVIES!
Here at the Alamo, we’re constantly trying to find ways to improve our presentation, our programming, our food, and everything that contributes to your experience at the theater. We like to think that we’ve done a fairly decent job with innovating a lot of those elements, but recently we realized that there’s still one way in which we’re doing things just like every other theater in town – you still have to wait in line to get your seat to the show of your choice. We stood in line for a movie recently and realized something that should have been obvious long ago: waiting in line sucks.
Yeah, you can improve the experience a little bit with monitors in the lobby showing fun preshow clips, with a beer in your hand from the bar, or with a book or just a fabulous conversation partner. But you’re still going to be cramped in uncomfortable places, you still need to make an arrangement with someone to hold your place if you need to run to the bathroom or something, and you still have to just wait there, in line. So this summer we’re going to launch a grand experiment at the Alamo South Lamar.
Taking a cue from Southwest Airlines, we’re going to begin issuing seating numbers and then let people into the theater in groups based on those numbers. The hope is that with this system in place you’ll be able to pick up your seating pass at your leisure and then either show up to the theater closer to the start time of the movie, or hang out on the patio, stroll around to other local businesses, or really do whatever you’d like to do with your time while you’re waiting for us to get the theater clean and ready for you! There are, of course, bound to be some kinks in the system as we continue refining the experience of coming to the Alamo Drafthouse, and we’ll appreciate both your patience and your feedback – positive or negative – as we transition into a new line-free future.
HERE’S HOW IT’S GOING TO WORK:
You can see this on your ticket now – each ticket for every show has a “seating number” printed at the bottom. That number represents the order in which you will be let into the theater. The number on your ticket is issued to you only when you pick up your tickets on site at the Lamar box office. Buying a ticket on line will still guarantee you a seat in the show, of course, but it will not issue your seating number at that time.
You will, however, be able to pick up your tickets for any show at any time during regular box office hours. It could be the day of the show or weeks before the movie – any time after you’ve purchased your tickets they’ll be ready for you at the box office. If you pick your tickets up early, however, please realize that we use thermal paper to print your ticket. Do not leave your tickets in your car, in your wallet, or anywhere else where it may fade. If you lose your ticket or have it fade due to mistreatment we will be unable to provide you with a refund and you’ll lose your seating number completely.
Once you have your seating number, you’ll want to make sure you’re back at the theater before your show’s seating time. Most movies will begin seating roughly 45 minutes before show time. For more precise information, you’ll be able to check new monitors in our lobby, which will note the seating time of each screening that day. Sometimes, of course, those seating times will be a little bit off as the exact time required to properly clean the theater may vary from show to show. The time on the screen will always be the earliest time that your show will be seating, though, so as long as you’re back by that time you’ll be sure to keep your place in line.
When your seating time arrives, the seating groups will be announced over the PA by the usher in the lobby. The PA announcements can be heard in the lobby as well as outside on the patio. We will start by seating numbers 1-40, then 1-80 and so on. If you have seating number 150, there’s no reason to wait in the lobby as that will not get you into the theater any faster!
It’s important to note that the seating number won’t guarantee you a great seat if you are late to your seating time. We will continue to seat the remaining groups if you are late, and refunds will not be issued if you miss your seating group. In short, it’s up to you to note your seating time and be back when you should!
When we go live with this system, the lobby will be sectioned off into two areas: the Public Area and the Now Seating area. Only ticket holders with the next seating group will be allowed into the Now Seating area. Our lobby is very small and we do not encourage you to wait there.
WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU AREN’T WAITING IN LINE:
Grab a cold beer on our patio and relax knowing that your seating order is intact without having to stand in line! Beverage service from our lobby bar will be available through a service window on the patio during most of our peak operating hours, and we will always announce seating for all groups in both the lobby and the on the patio.
You can also feel free to wander the complex and visit other local businesses in the shopping center. We’re currently working with the other businesses in the complex and many of them are considering offering perks if you show them your seating pass. Grab a cocktail at the Highball, visit the book shop, or check the music stores and thrift shops if you like. Just remember to wander back toward the theater and be near the lobby at your designated seating time! As more concrete perks become available we’ll have information about those in handouts at the ticket counter.
Again, this is a new system for us, and we welcome your feedback. Grab a comment card from the ticket counter on your way in or out of the theater, or send us an email to comments.lamar@originalalamo.com and we’ll take every idea and critique into consideration as we continue improving the experience!
This line-free experience should be starting up sometime in the early summer of 2010. Keep checking the Alamo blog and website for more details and you’ll be the first to know when the first show with seating numbers is announced. Any ideas or concerns you’ve got in advance, feel free to leave them in the comments.
April 29th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Great idea. I think if you’re going to go to these lengths, take it a step further and let people pick their seats. When I was in England the AMC actually brought out a seating chart and I picked where I would sit. Row and seat # printed on ticket done and done. I think that would be a more efficient way to go. But whatever you choose you guys are awesome at what you do. Love the Drafthouse!
April 29th, 2010 at 2:19 am
This seems like an awfully complicated solution to a non-problem. I go to movies at the Alamo a lot and waiting in line for a few minutes before the movie is not a big deal. I like to get there early to get a good seat. It’s part of the Alamo experience, along with chatting with people in line and watching the preshow clips and drinking a beer. But now I have to come to the theater early in the week to pick up a ticket? That seems like a big hassle, especially for screenings at the Ritz. The current first-come first-served method is easier and more fair.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:37 am
I agree with DJ. I don’t think it’s a true problem. Usually I find lines when I come for just-released movies… and you know what? It doesn’t bother me. It’s what you “pay for” when you care enough to see a new flick ASAP. I’ve always had a good time in line with beer and friends and the Onion/Chronicle/AlamoGuide. I’ll give the new system a try but why fix what ain’t broke?
April 29th, 2010 at 3:42 am
I love the drafthouse – this is pretty much the only place I go to see movies. But this seating solution just doesn’t make sense. I agree with all of DJ’s comments. I understand that the lobbies are small, but I don’t think this will keep people from milling around in there any less than they already do. Something tells me that even with ’seating groups’, people will still try to make lines. Congestion will still be an issue. And so now, to get some guarantee of decent seats, we have to drive to the location and pick up a ticket possibly a week or more in advance? (fyi, some of us don’t live all that close). And then carefully ‘preserve’ our ticket for a week? And there’s no way of knowing when to pre-buy the ticket to get a good seating number (because who knows how many people have picked up their ticket already), versus just knowing to arrive before a show atleast an hour or more in advance for opening weekends & popular events. Part of the alamo experience is the pre-show clips. If I somehow get stuck in a later seating group, I might miss part of that (not to mention get a not-so-stellar seat). It’s not tragic, but I’d rather wait in a line than miss the pre-show. And if I accidentally miss my seating time (aka, a little thing called Austin traffic), I’m SOL? And what if you’re meeting friends there who are in later seating groups? You try to save 2, or 3, or more seats? I know this all sounds negative, but it just generally sounds like a bad idea (albeit well-intentioned) that will lead to lots of irritated and confused movie-goers. I generally appreciate Alamo’s efforts to make improvements, and this one might as well get tested; I just don’t see it going well.
April 29th, 2010 at 4:12 am
I agree that a better system would be to use assigned seat numbers that can be chosen based on availability when the ticket is purchased. I’ve seen this work smoothly in a number of different theaters.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:00 am
I think I would rather just wait in line. This whole system seems way more stressful than just knowing where my place is. You use a Southwest analogy but Southwest learned that the 1-30 , 31-60 type of group thing did not work and created just more crazy people. Now, with Southwest you have an exact number like A36 and that lets people relax. I would suggest you let people enter the theater according to their number and not in groups of 40 if you really want them to relax outside while they wait.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:02 am
I like the general idea, but I don’t think this solves much except for the really packed opening shows, where people show up even more than 45 minutes early, and now wouldn’t have to if they’ve gone to the inconvenience of picking their tickets up in person in advance (in spite of the silly fading tickets risk).
Requiring people to show up 45 minutes in advance seems excessive. I don’t see why 20 minutes wouldn’t work just as well.
The only upside I see in this is that I have further incentive to go out of my way to purchase tickets in advance in person, and save the $3 I am currently losing unnecessarily from online service fees and the [harshly] abolished online student rates.
Perfect plan:
1) eliminate online service fees
2) bring back online student prices
3) assign seating assignments upon online purchase
4) start seating 20 minutes before show time
April 29th, 2010 at 9:15 am
As of tonight, I’ve been to 111 screenings at an Alamo theater so far this year (and I’ve already bought tickets for seven more through the weekend, and several more beyond that), versus only 12 movies at non-Alamo theaters. I generally show up 60-90 minutes before the show starts so that I can get a good seat, so I’ve got quite a bit of experience with the current system of waiting in line.
I always buy my tickets in advance, and most of the time about as soon as possible once they go on sale so that I can plan out my schedule and try to fit everything in. Of the four Alamo theaters in Austin, South Lamar is already my least favorite because of the limited parking (which has only gotten worse once The Highball opened — I’ve had to park up to a few blocks away). If you eliminate lines and implement group-based seating as outlined above, then I’ll probably be even much less likely to go to South Lamar (and therefore more likely to choose a non-Alamo theater like the Regal Arbor Cinema which often plays many of the same arthouse-type movies).
Choosing the group based on the time that the tickets were picked up (rather than at the time of purchase) is probably about the least ideal alternative to the current line-based system. If you incent people to pick up their tickets days or weeks in advance, then all that will accomplish will be a lot more lost or unreadable tickets, which is definitely not good for customers. If I buy a ticket well in advance and have to carry it around with me (or risk forgetting to bring it with me) then there’s an increased chance that it will get lost or damaged in that time. If I show up at the theater only to find that the ticket is no good, then I’ll definitely not be happy if I have to buy another one, and even more so if the show is sold out so I don’t even have the opportunity to buy another one. With the current system, or with one that assigns the group at the time of purchase rather than at the time of pickup, or with one that allows the customer to choose which seat they want at the time of purchase, then they can just pick up the ticket when they arrive at the theater, and it’s a whole lot easier to protect a ticket for a few minutes than a few days or weeks.
There are several other problems inherent in getting rid of lines in the manner described here. Since you haven’t changed the time that you’re going to start letting people into the theater, then people in the first group would still need to show up early, just like they would in the current system to get an early place in line. In fact, using a group-based seating approach would cause the greatest risk to people in the earliest groups and provide the greatest benefit to people in the latest groups because it’s always likely that people in early groups will show up late. Further, if there are no lines at all, then there will be massive congestion in the lobby as everyone crowds around the same area so that they can hear when their group is called for their movie, and so that they can compete with other people in that same group. It will also increase confusion, particularly if you’re seating multiple movies around the same time because a customer might mistakenly hear their group number called but for the wrong movie. This means that you’ll have to station someone at the door to weed out mistakes and cheaters, which will slow the process of getting people into the theater. The Southwest Airlines approach of using a separate line per group could help eliminate that to an extent, but that would still require waiting in line, and would take up quite a bit more space than having a single line.
As others have suggested, the best possible alternative to the current practice would be to allow customers to choose their seat at the time that they purchase their ticket. I personally would still show up early so that I can try to get my food before the movie starts, and because I often enjoy the pre-show entertainment, but for others that don’t care about that they could come much closer to showtime which would lead to less congestion in the lobby. And in fact I would probably buy even more tickets if I could more tightly pack multiple shows in on the same night without having to worry about getting a bad seat in a later show because the earlier one got out after the later one started seating or would have already accumulated a sizable line.
However, there are also significant logistical problems with assigned seating that could be difficult to overcome. Ignoring the technical challenge of implementing that system in the first place, there is also the problem of needing to switch a movie to a different theater (e.g., because one movie has sold out and you want to move it to a bigger theater to open more seats) if the new theater has a different number or arrangement of seats. Also, incenting people to show up later without worrying about where they will sit will likely increase the number of people who arrive after the movie has started. Unless late entry is strictly forbidden, it will cause even more distraction than it currently does because there’s a much greater chance that the latecomers will bother people in the middle of the theater rather than being relegated to the front as is currently their fate.
Honestly, I think that the current approach of getting in line and seating based on the order you arrive at the theater for your show is the most logically sound. It’s not really all that unpleasant if you’ve got someone or something to hold your attention, and it has proven that it can get the job without too many or too egregious negatives.
If you’re looking for ways to improve, the things that would make me the most happy are:
- Try to fix parking at South Lamar. I’d potentially be willing to pay for nearby lot (albeit reluctantly, like we have to with the Ritz) if I knew that I wouldn’t have to drive around looking for space on the street when the free lot is full.
- Enforce more strict limits around seating once the movie has started.
- Do a better job of making it known when tickets for a particular show go on sale. For example, publish the expected date/time that they will go on sale on the page describing that show, and/or announce availability on Twitter. Other than not having enough seats to meet the expected demand, this seemed to work pretty well for the Weird Al show.
April 29th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Come on Alamo. You offer the convenience of purchasing tickets on line and then penalize these same people by forcing an extra trip to the theater? Where is the logic? I thought you guys were smarter than this.
April 29th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
I have a bad feeling about this. I live 30 minutes away but the South Lamar location is my favorite. I buy my tickets online and don’t mind arriving 60 minutes early. But I’m not going to make two trips just to get a boarding pass. So long Drafthouse South. It was fun while it lasted.
April 29th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Another additional negative here is the added logistical overhead of the joy of going to the movies with friends, especially during summer season. As it is now, if I want to go see a movie with a couple other friends, we all buy our tickets separately, show up in a staggered fashion and then get in line together. Under the new system we would each have to make our way to the theater in advance and get our tickets or risk getting different seating groups.
During summer blockbusters and family films this is going to lead to an over abundance of saved seats as the more “responsible” patrons will pickup their tickets early and the stragglers in their group will request seats be saved. It already happens at Fantastic Fest with this system, and it will happen in droves for general public screenings.
And to reiterate, once this catches on, you will have MORE people showing up EARLIER to fight for early seating.
April 29th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Now I’m going to have a Theater experience that reminds me of waiting aound in an airport? You guys are fucking geniuses! How did you know we all love hanging aound in airports, waiting to board an overcrowded, uncomfortable plane, with tired, sarcastic airline attendants?!? If I were you, I wouldn’t call attention to the simularities. Southwest Airline Theaters?
Lines, are not the problem you think they are. They work. Don’t fix what isn’t broken for the sake of being different. That’s just ego-otic
April 29th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Alamo, why are you trying to fix something that isn’t broken in the first place? This seems WAY too complicated. I have never, ever minded standing in line waiting for the movie to start.
If you add in the time it takes to drive to pick up your tickets on another day plus the time you still have to arrive earlier to make your seating group, it doesn’t save any time at all! In fact, it’s more complicated and annoying. I’m sorry, but I am NOT going to order tickets online and then have to worry about picking them from the theater on another day. Our lives are busy enough, you just want to complicate it further? I can guarantee you that I won’t be participating in this little experiment of yours because just the thought of it gives me a headache. I like being able to buy my ticket online, show up at the theater, snag a beer, and pick a spot in line to chat with other people. It’s part of the “Alamo experience!”
Alamo, I love you. I really do, but this is a horrible idea. I highly encourage you to rethink this ghastly, overly complicated plot of yours to complicate your customer’s movie-watching experience.
April 29th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I live in North Austin. I drive to the S. Lamar location when it’s the only Alamo showing a particular movie instead of spending my money at a big box theater or waiting for the movie to show up on Netflix. I’m not making an extra trip across town to pick up a movie ticket just to skip out on lines. It’s a waste. If this is implemented there, you’ve lost a loyal customer.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I am really excited about the changes. I feel like I have been going to a different theater than these other commenters. I hate waiting in that line. I hate it so much that I don’t go to the movies sometimes. It is fine during a festival but on a Saturday night I don’t want to spend 2 hours cramped in that tiny little waiting area or under those horrible seizure inducing lights at the Ritz (they are fine for a minute but try 20 minutes and you will see what I mean). It was better at Lamar when it was outside (except for when it was really hot or raining) I never know when it is going to be ridiculously busy at the Alamo or not. I get there an hour ahead of time for a movie that has been out 6 weeks and I have to sit in the front rows. I agree that it would be much better to pick your seats ahead of time like when you are going to a theater or a concert or the other airlines, just don’t start charging for better seats! I hate all the moving around at the Ritz to seat large parties or whatever. And yes, bring back online student pricing!
April 29th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I hate this idea. The Alamo is the ONLY theater I go to and this idea will probably change that now. I always buy my tickets on line so I don’t show up to a sold out show and I get to the theater early if I want a great seat. So now it doesn’t matter when/how I buy my tickets you’re going to seat me where you want to seat me and there’s nothing I can do to keep from getting a crappy seat. If you’re going to do that why not just have people pay for better seating like some place like The Paramount? Also, what happens if I meet friends at the theater and we have different seating letters? I guess we don’t get to sit together anymore. There was nothing wrong with your seating situation.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Please NO! This is terrible. I go to Alamo South on a regular basis and ALWAYS purchase my tickets online. Making TWO trips just to get a good seat? F- that. I’ll go to a different location.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Appreciate that y’all are making an effort to deal w/ the line issues, which are a definite pain. Ideally, as others have stated, I’d prefer to pick my seat(s) when purchasing online (which needs to offer student prices). By allowing seat selection @ the time of purchase, you’d alleviate all of this hassle…folks could just show up whenever, and y’all know you’ve already sold that seat.
I see most of my movies @ either South or Village, and I live central, so buying online is the only way to got for me. I’ve sometimes picked up tix early for the South shows, but only when I’m already down that way.
I would be MUCH more likely to go exclusively to Alamo locations if I knew my seats were locked in…seriously, that would put y’all in a whole other League
, as you’re already head and shoulders above any other theater chain in town!
April 29th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
I also agree with other posters about not getting student pricing online. When you pick up your tickets you could show your ID. I love you guys, but lines are a fact of life. Not everyone can get a great seat. It’s only fair that the people who make the effort to get there early deserve to get the good seats.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I purchase all my tickets online and HATE HATE HATE the idea that I have to make two trips just to get a good seat. I make the effort to show up early and sure it sucks to sit in line, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE the seat I get because of it. A little sacrifice for an awesome view.
You wanna eliminate the lines, but you’re making us try to find parking in that tiny lot twice for a good seat? How is this better for us? Sorry but it sounds like you wanna fix your problem (congested lobby) not ours.
April 29th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
As a loyal Alamo goer for eight years now, this sounds like a terrible, TERRIBLE idea. Why bother with online ticket sales at all if in order to get a decent seat to the sold out show if you have to go pick up your tickets in person days, or even weeks, in advance? This makes no sense.
And as another commenter said, it sounds like you all are focused on solving your own problem of congestion and not the problems of your customers. Too true.
Ideally you’d find a way to let ticket holders choose their seat assignment upon purchase. Until then, let the lines be the way they are. The plan you have here sounds like nothing but a stress-inducing customer tantrum-cooker.
And for real? Who models their customer service and management model on Southwest? They’re the greyhound of the sky. And it’s crap ideas like their seating policies that make me refuse to fly with them. And I so don’t want to have to make that same decision about the Alamo.
April 29th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Guys, are lines really THAT much of a problem. By making me drive into town twice (once to pick up the tickets I’ve already purchased online and again to get to the theater in time for my boarding group) you’ve just made my experience as your customer A HASSLE. Reading this made me NOT want to go see a movie at the Alamo.
Your lines are fun. I can grab a drink. I can talk with friends. If you want to get rid of lines, implement assigned seating at time of purchase; but don’t do this. This is a terrible idea. I remember the days of standing is group masses waiting for my group to be called on Southwest. How is a mod better than a line?
April 29th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I’m so annoyed by this I made stupid typos:
“I remember the days of standing in group masses waiting for my group to be called on Southwest. How is a mob better than a line?”
April 29th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Wow. This is complicated and unneccesary. You will still have to get there 45 minutes or more early to get a good seat (because who has the time to pickup a ticket at the box office earlier in day/week?!!?) and there is no real hanging out area that isnt exactly where the lines have always been at the south lamar alamo.
Keep it old school. Show up early if you want a seat.
April 29th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
I agree with previous posters–boarding numbers should be assigned AT TIME OF PURCHASE, not at time of ticket pick-up.
Why make your customers go through another step to ensure a good seat?
The only thing I like about this system is that it will eliminate all the people that get in line early, then let their friends join them for the next hour or so.
But still, if you really want to make it a better experience, give us assigned seating!
April 29th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
I love the ALAMO, and I think that the idea is a very good one; however, like all good things, I am sure there will be a few bumps in the road.
I am sure a few people have said this, but it would be cool if this was done almost opera style. I know that each of your theaters have numbers on the floor, and all partons have some prefered seating place. What if….there was a diagram online, and you could purchase a ticket that held that spot just for you. Got friends? Well now they can purchase a ticket right beside you and you do not have to save that seat.
Again….this is all just speculation. I love the Alamo and all they do. I am sure that whatever you guys do it will KICK ASS.
April 29th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I think this is stupid! Why can’t we just show up early wait n line and get good seats??? I’d rather go to any regular movie theater than deal with the ridiculous rules upon rules system that alamo forces on local patrons. What is this a Justin Beiber concert??? Y SO SRS ALAMO
April 29th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
I haven’t read every response, so I apologize for repeating anything that has already been said. With that out of the way, I think this is a HORRIBLE idea. I get to the theatre usually 45 to 60 mins before the show, I too usually buy online or if it’s Matinee Monday, I buy at the ticket counter. What this means simply is if you don’t buy a ticket when they first go on sale, especially for the coming Summer season, you’re kinda screwed. How is that fair? Furthermore, how are you getting rid of lines? You still have to show up 45 mins before the show….
All this plan will do is cause you and your staff undue headaches from the volume of pissed off customer. I used to work in a movie theater and I know how people LOOOOVE to complain about anything and everything, this system is ripe for the bitching to begin.
If you want to do away with the wait, like many posters have said above, sell numbered/assigned seats, it works for the ArcLight (one of the BEST cinemas in America, if not the best for presentation) just fine and I think it would work just as well for you guys. This “Southwest Airline” style seating you are implementing is lame.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Ummmm…. every experience I’ve had with the South Lamar location has been one where they are already not accommodating. Now I’ll be out of luck if I don’t make a special trip in to pick up my ticket AND keep my ticket in perfect condition before the show? I’m not making a 30 minute trip to just pick up a movie theater ticket.
If your people were more accommodating like the workers at the Ritz, I might be willing to try this out. But now you’ve just cemented in my mind that I won’t go to the South Lamar location anymore if you roll forward with this plan.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
I’m just imagining what a shit-show this idea would be for something like the midnight release of Eclipse. I foresee mobs of angry fan girls tearing the Alamo apart. This is a horrible idea. The lines aren’t a problem. Look at the comments, everyone hates this plan.
Retract the idea, and move on.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
This is a FAIL. Alamo, please note the ratio of negative to positive responses. It’s about 10-1 for the nays. I have to agree, this is a terrible idea.
If you do this, you will lose customers, guaranteed.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Thank you Captain Obvious.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Maybe they’re trying to lose customers with this “fix.” The behind-the-curtain thinking could be, “Let’s see who really wants to deal with getting into the Alamo.” And hey, whaddaya know, the line is gone. I’d rather they just raised their ticket price than to force me to go there twice — would equal the same with today’s gas prices. END OF RANT.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Seriously Alamo? What are you thinking? Do you not realize that a lot of your loyal patrons have things called “jobs”? Or perhaps “social lives”, “extracurricular activities”, “school”, “kids”, or general “responsibilities” that all contribute to an inherent lack of time available for running around all over town to pick up movie tickets weeks in advance? We buy online to make our lives simpler, not to add hassle to our situation. I would MUCH rather wait an hour or even two in line for a movie the same day I’ve planned to see it than have to specifically take time out of my day on another occasion to retrieve seating tickets in advance.
I LOVE going to Alamo for movies. I don’t mind paying on the high end for the experience, and it doesn’t bother me to have to wait in line for a movie I really want to see. The issue with lines is really only a “problem” for big premieres and films that have been recently released. Well frankly, if I or anyone else care so strongly about seeing a new movie on the first day, or during the first week it is out, we should be able to put up with a bit of a wait.
I think the opera-style seating chart idea would work much better if we’re really going down this path, but I’m curious about why Alamo management feels the need to fix something that wasn’t really broken in the first place.
We’ll see what happens, but if this goes through and causes the issues that so many people foresee happening, I’ll be sneaking food and beer into Regal or AMC instead of braving the mob scene at Alamo.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
FAIL.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
“Have you been to the Alamo before?”
No
“Oh, well it’s just like Southwest Airlines!”
What do you mean? Is it cheap?
“No, not particularly.”
Does it have free food and other perks?
“No… BUT it does have group seating! You don’t have to wait in line.”
Oh, sweet, so I can just show up when the movie actually starts?
“Nah, we recommend you still get there 45 minutes early.”
Well, at least that guarantees me a good seat if I buy my ticket online ahead of time.
“Well, actually… your seats are assigned when you PICK UP your ticket. And if you lose it or if it fades, you’re out of luck.”
So, I have to get there reallly early or stop by the theater earlier in the week? What do I do the 45 minutes beforehand?
“Well, we roped off an area that you wait in, but you don’t have to wait in an orderly line!”
So, instead we wait in a crowded anxious group.
THIS ALL SOUNDS VERY PLEASANT. I love when my entertainment is modeled after a poorly designed frantic airline.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Hey guys,
Just wanted to let everyone know we’re TOTALLY taking all of these comments into consideration. And if it doesn’t work and turns out to be a Fail it’s definitely not something we’re married to.
We may go back to the drawing board to tweak the idea further, or we might try out a trial weekend to see if all of the concerns people have become an issue in reality.
Nothing is set in stone, so please keep sharing your thoughts!
April 29th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
BOYCOTT ALAMO!!!!!! So they are jacking up tix online w/ “service fees” and then making you come in EXTRA early just to get grouped into a seating arrangement…oh ya and then you STILL have to wait until the magical seating time occurs… alamo is quickly becoming the worst/most expensive venue in town right behind stubbs broBQ and reTHUG live!
April 29th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
I have no interest in buying tickets online and then going to the theatre twice–once to get my ticket, once to see the movie. If I’m going to the Ritz that would mean paying for parking TWICE. I also have no interest in not being able to sit with my friends if we’ve bought tickets separately. This is a terrible solution to a non-problem.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I think people just like to complain and are change averse. I don’t anticipate that more than a few patrons will pick up their tickets earlier than the day of the show (except for something like Star Wars). They’re going to start letting folks in at the same time they normally do and once the line gets moving it doesn’t take that long to get in, so all this fuss about missing the preshow is moot. People will still get there late regardless of their seating priority and be just as SOL as they were before. I think this is a fine idea. You people haven’t even tried it yet. Re-lax.
April 29th, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Can I get a patch for my coat that identifies me as an early seat getter? How about that idea?
How about leaving things the way they are. Is this really that big of a problem? Don’t like lines? Show up late and get a crappy seat. Don’t like crappy seats? Show up early you jackass and understand the wait is worth it.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
I am stressed out already. So I have to arrive early (like I normally would to get a good seat) to pick up my “boarding pass”? Nothing gained. Then I am encouraged to wander around, potentially missing the calling of my group number, rather than let the lemming logic of a moving line tell me to go get a seat? What is really going on here? Are there line cutting fights I am not aware of where waiting in line has become dangerous? Are they trying to encourage more concessions purchases while we wait? I understand that for big premiers there are lines outside, but that is part of the fun of going to a big premier where people are excited and creating a shared experience. Of all places I thought this is something Alamo would understand.
RE: assigned seating. Sounds like a looser for Alamo. I know that I’d check online before buying a ticket and skip a show if I were able to determine that I was going to get a bad seat. That means fewer full theaters and less revenue, but their costs are relatively fixed. It is the waiting in line for 45 min. that gets you so committed that you accept bad seats when that’s what’s available. You aren’t going to walk away empty handed after the time investment.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Wow. By the time I got through all these comments there were 4 more comments. People get pissed quick in laid back ol Austin.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Grant, it’s actually the opposite, studies have shown that not having a line causes anxiety, fights, and mob mentality. I just took operations management and we studied how people get trampled in situations like that. It’s actually more dangerous to not have a line.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
@Jessica9r9r- Please stop assuming we are all blindly commenting on this based on some primitive fear of the unknown. People have read the plan, evaluated it to be a fail, and have spoken. It is certainly not a matter being “averse to change”. If they proposed a solution that was actually superior to the current system, I think you’d have a lot less negative comments.
I could go on with reasons why this is a bad idea, but I think the plethora of comments says it all. The bottom line is that, like with ANY other show, concert or event, showing up early should mean you get a good seat, showing up late means you don’t.
I, personally, will not be participating in any Alamo activities if they decide to go through with this. Not because I’m trying to boycott them, but because I just don’t want to deal with all of this convoluted crap to see a movie. It’s a bunch of stressful, additional steps that are taking the fun out of going to the movies.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
I rather wait than go through … what was this again?
As long as the experience at the waiting line is pleasant, it is never an issue.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
Bad idea. Don’t do it. The lines are not an issue. If anything they add to the experience. The suggested new system however, sounds like a pain in the buttocks. All you need to make lines bearable is beer, which you already have. If you really want to do something special for lines, get a server to walk up and down and take orders while we wait. Other than that, leave the current system alone!
For goodness sakes don’t copy the airline industry.
April 29th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Even though I live half a block from South and walk to get my tickets, I have to agree with everyone here.
I go to a lot of movies at the Alamo and I don’t think this is a good thing. I personally don’t plan my social life that far in advance and I don’t want to purchase tickets for a movie a week or more in advance to ensure a good number. That seems crazy!
I also don’t feel like this is saving anyone any time or anxiety. You still have to show up early (after you’ve already got your pass), you still have to worry about hearing your group, and you still have to fight the people in your group for a seat. I think this will lead to group lines and not alleviate crowding in the lobby at all.
I also don’t find the lines to be a big pain. I think the South location has gotten pretty good with the signs and making it clear and I don’t mind getting there early to get a good seat, it’s part of the deal to see a movie at an awesome theater.
If you guys really want to get rid of the lines and the lobby madness then I think allowing folks to pick seats at the time of ticket purchase is the way to go. Then have seating open 30-40 minutes before the movie so there’s time for cleaning and time for beer/food ordering before the movie starts. No one has to be rushed or worried though because their seat is their seat whether it’s a good one or not.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Wow….this ticket will self destruct in 10 seconds
Sounds like Gold Class’s seating system has ripple effect to Alamo. Truely sad since the existing system was fine.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
For the record, I’d prefer waiting in line. If I want a good seat I get to the theatre early. If I don’t care about a good seat I show up closer to screen time. First come, first served. This just sounds complicated. And I’ve never seen lines being that much of a problem at the Alamo showings I’ve been to (Village, South, or Downtown).
April 29th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Really Alamo? Can you explain coherently just one benefit of this new plan? It’s amazing that your catalyst for changes is just to do literally everything differently from other theaters. Just so you know, your catalyst should be making the movie watching process enjoyable for the consumer. Did you know that other theaters have tickets as well? Get rid of those things. They’re so 2009! They also show movies on screens and have seats. You should probably stop doing those things too just to be different. See the logic behind “there’s still one way in which we’re doing things just like every other theater in town” being completely foolish? Nah… guess not since here we are.
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in a while to solve a non-issue. Were people really clamoring for no lines so they could wait in a non-line? One of the reasons why Southwest works somewhat is because you can do it all online. If I have to come in and get the ticket physically printed to reserve a slot, what’s the point of me getting a ticket online at all? I’m glad you guys really get the whole benefit of having an “internet” and what a great way to take a service fee from me for no added “service.”
You’ve taken one supposed “problem” and created multiple others that are far more annoying and ridiculous.
- Like a moron, you’ve now made me buy a ticket online, pay a ridiculous fee for “service,” and now I physically have to come to theater to try and beat out other eager beavers so I can have a seat that’s not god-awful. What does the extra fee get me again?
- If my friends happen to get their tickets at a different time we now might not get to sit together at all because of the groupings and certainly won’t be able to sit in the theater at the same time and hang out.
- If I get to the theater just before the show, I probably still have to wait in the lobby and your suggestion is to wait and get a drink? Wow, that’s awesome! Not even going to try and mask that you’re just trying to get some more money here rather than make the consumer happy? Having a beer and jumping through hoops still means you’re jumping through hoops.
- If I get to the theater early instead of waiting in line I get to… wait in a non-line with a multiple of 40 people!
And to Jessica9r9r. Are you serious? You don’t have to live through a change to realize that the change will be stupid. Your plan of just waiting until things fail in person before criticizing it is brilliant. I’d like you managing lots of things in my life. It would be a constant rollercoaster of denial from you and fun side effects of everything turning to crap because we had to try it first to see.
Assigned seating with #s – also dumb. Did you like sitting with your friend whose plans changed at the last minute and can now join you to see the movie? Oh wait, they got their ticket days after you? Well, that’s cool… they’ll enjoy sitting by themselves. Stupid.
Congratulations Drafthouse, I won’t be coming to movies anymore at South Lamar. You obviously are intent on harming the consumer – the person who you originally tried to help. That was what made you different than the huge faceless movie theater corporations.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I love the Alamo South Lamar and enjoy going there for movies despite the fact that I live in North Austin and there are two other Drafthouse locations closer to me. In fact, I choose the South Lamar location over the northern just because it (used to be) cooler.
But seriously, this decision is absolutely awful. The Alamo South Lamar has lost a loyal customer over this (and I guarantee I will not be the last).
I live in North Austin. It’s ridiculous to think that I need to drive all the way down south just to pick up tickets. One way to fix this would be to assign the ticket seating numbers upon purchase, but that doesn’t solve the problem that you STILL have to show up early in order to get into your seats. And then there’s the issue that it’s always a surprise when tickets are actually available online, and the fact that you can’t get your student or AFS discount online. So the suggested “fix” by the Drafthouse won’t actually fix anything, it’ll just piss off the most loyal customers.
Also, this doesn’t solve any problem when it comes to saving seats. How many times has an entire 6 person section been held by 1 person waiting for their friends to arrive?
There is a very simple solution here. Assigned seating at time of purchase (with predefined times for tickets to become available). You can put computer screens at the register and have everyone use the online option (even if they show up at the theatre without having bought tickets) and they can either buy then or print out their tickets. The franchise location has a kiosk, not sure what’s complicated about that. I understand that the assigned seating programming may be difficult, but it’s all they have in Europe, so I think the software exists out there for purchase.
It’s sad, I was planning on coming to the South Lamar Drafthouse to see Iron Man 2 with my wife – now I think I’ll just have to take her to the franchise up north, or heaven forbid, the new competitor at the Domain… where you can select your seats in advance.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Chill. They’re trying to make things smoother for everyone. This is a step in the right direction.
ASSIGNED SEATING
I do agree that being able to select seating online would be great. Just like a stadium concert or airplane tix – you pick your seats from a map of the theater @ the time of purchase. The waitstaff already checks tickets, so, it wouldn’t take much extra effort to enforce such a policy.
GROUPS
One of the main concerns here should be accommodating groups of patrons. The standard first come, first serve policy makes sitting w/ 3-4 friends pretty tricky. With the proposed system, you could run into a problem where members of a movie gang belong to different seating groups. What if we had a system where you enter how many tickets you plan to purchase, and that number opens a map of the theater highlighting available sections for your group. The map could be programmed to highlight seat suggestions based on maximizing occupancy efficiency – so we don’t wind up w/ random single empty seats scattered through the room.
If the Alamo’s goal is to partner up with neighboring businesses and create a stronger community in the shopping center – then the proposed plan makes sense.
But if the goal is to accommodate customers – I’d say let them choose specific seats @ the point of purchase. That way you know what you’re getting yourself into – you don’t wind up disappointed by split-up groups, front-row seats, etc. Its an assurance that I imagine would sell lots more tickets in the long run. Traditional theaters can’t pull this off because they don’t have a waitstaff checking tickets in the theater. It would be a huge advantage for the Alamo.
Apologies if these points have already been mentioned, I skimmed through the responses.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Bad idea. Please don’t make these changes. If I want to see a movie, I’ll get there early enough to get in line so I have more seating choices. There’s never that much of a wait. This has never been a problem but it sounds like you are creating one. If you try this and I have problems that I didn’t have before, you’ve probably lost me. Your loss is the Regal Arbor’s gain.
I’m an AFS member and I live in South Austin.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Chill indeed! Thanks David.
The biggest point that needs to be stressed here is that this strategy for eradicating lines IS NOT HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.
And yes, based on this feedback there’s a very good chance that it will not be happening in the same way the initial post mentions. We’re still going to try to do *something* to make the experience of seeing a movie at the Alamo better for everyone, but you certainly don’t need to stay away from Iron Man 2 or any of the other upcoming releases at South Lamar simply because you don’t like this idea.
You will ABSOLUTELY know about it when and if this or any other change to our seating system goes into effect.
April 29th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I’m not a fan of this idea either. While I actually like the system at Southwest, what makes it work is that you can check in *online*. The window opens 24 hours before takeoff and if it’s important to you to get a good boarding number, you are ready to check in as soon as it opens. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee anything – I’ve checked in for flights 15 seconds into the window opening and still ended up in the B group.
Will you allow one person to pick up tickets for multiple people, as long as they have the card used to purchase the ticket?
I also suggest that for this to work you need to give specific on-sale dates and times. Saying “we generally put tickets on sale around the Monday before . . . ish” won’t cut it. I’ll want to be at the box office when the tickets go on sale in order to get a good seating group. Which creates another line. *sigh*
Maybe you should just stick with the current process. Yes, standing in line isn’t the most fun, but that’s part of the Drafthouse experience. If you’re trying to control crowds in the lobby, what if you established a specific “start time” for the lines?
April 29th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
this doesn’t make sense. you should be able to buy a number online. I live in round rock. so this will effectively eliminate me from attending movies. I cannot drive down to buy a ticket then drive back down for the movie.
It makes sense with Fantastic fest when you are going to be down there all day. but not for a regular movie, unless you can get a number online..
April 29th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Not a fan of the Southwest Airlines system and not a fan of this either. On the other hand, I AM a fan of Southwest Airlines in general, and a huge Alamo fan. These types of micromanaged seating just make me feel like a 3rd grader….in fact, it makes me mad (line rage) at those who don’t follow the rules EXACTLY half the time, and the other half I find myself wanting to break the rules too. I think there are people who get there early cause they are dedicated to getting the seat they want, and there are those who don’t care and I think we are pretty good at sorting that out ourselves.
Now if we could pick our seats at time of purchase without having to come pick up the tickets early……well THAT would be worth a try!
April 29th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
I’m all for not having to wait in line. I was just at the Nightmare screening last night, and I’d have loved to be able to do something else for that hour and a half. I also love going to midnight shows, and do it in spite of knowing that I’ll be standing in line for a couple hours. I hate the wasted time and the boredom of doing it, even if you’re with someone. Worst of all is the queue for Master Pancake shows at the Ritz. The Ritz’ lobby can barely hold anyone, and on more than one occasion, I’ve had to stand outside in the rain for a while before being let into the theater. It’s pretty awful.
Having said all that, I don’t see this as being a good solution. I understand that the “boarding position” is probably a limitation by the ticket sales POS, which is why you can’t offer a position to people that buy online. But online boarding is why it works for Southwest. Folks preboard online, and get their number so they know when to show up. This way, I either have to buy from the theater or, if I buy online, have to stop by the theater, or show up as early as I did before if I want to be in the first group. Having the freedom to move about is nice, but it doesn’t eliminate the problem. (Not to mention that S. Lamar’s lobby would be crowded with all those folks just milling around.
I appreciate the innovation that you’re putting forward, but I’m not sure this is the solution that you want. If you can give the line position with online purchase, then it would work great. Having to come to the theater for it is lame.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Please DO NOT implement this seating plan. Standing in line is a good way for people who really want to see a movie to get the best seats. Example – back in the day some of us waited in line for over a day to get a good seat for Star Wars becasue we loved the movie. Under this new system, some wealthy guy who only wants Star Wars tickets because it is the current hip thing to do, could buy tickets on line, scoot by the theatre in his Porche while I am at work and bump me, even though I would be willing to spend the night in line to ensure I get a good seat. PLEASE keep the Alamo a theatre for true movie lovers and do not put this new seating idea into effect. Lines are not bad – they are good because they help ensure the true fans get the best seats.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
Man, it’s like somebody took away baby’s favorite toy or something. Is it really necessary to “boycott” or say you’ll “never go back” when you haven’t even experienced something yet?
This is the type of system that they have used at Fantastic Fest the last two years, and it has worked in that situation. You don’t have to stand in line forever just to ensure that you get a seat somewhere other than the front row.
However, I do agree that it would be best to give seating group numbers at the time of purchase rather than at the time of pick-up and give an outline of approximately when each group would be seated. That would improve my experience greatly, as I do get tired of having to be at the theater 45 minutes in advance all the time. I mean, I like the pre-shows, but sometimes I have shit to do, ya know?! I understand that the Alamo would like to drum up business for their neighbors and possibly for the bar, but I don’t really see that working. Give me a number when I buy my ticket online and tell me when that number will be seated. Perfect.
Also, I remember that when the Highball was first opening, it was possibly going to be a place for people to hang out before their screenings if this type of southwest-style seating was ever put in place. Will there be seating announcements there as well? Because that might *actually* get me to pick up my ticket an hour before and go have a beer, knowing that I will be alerted when I should head on back to the theater.
Thanks, Alamo. I appreciate what y’all do.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I love the Drafthouse, and like many others here I will not be going anymore if this system is implemented. Two trips is one problem, and the other problem is that is I get number 41 I will be so irritated! I like picking shows at times where I can get to the theater early and don’t mind waiting in line to pick my seat. I want to order my beer and food early anyway. Even assigning seats or numbers will be annoying. You’ll also lose all of those last minute ticket or even day-of ticket sales because people will be afraid of being at the end of the line. I usually buy my tickets one day in advance, and now I would be worried that I’d get a terrible number so probably wouldn’t even bother checking. Thanks for trying to think of new improvements, but this won’t be one of them!
April 29th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Re: Lee
LOL on everything you said and how true.
Except the frantic airline part – But don’t be “dissing” Southwest airlines.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Lee Says:
April 29th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
“Have you been to the Alamo before?”
No
“Oh, well it’s just like Southwest Airlines!”
What do you mean? Is it cheap?
“No, not particularly.”
Does it have free food and other perks?
“No… BUT it does have group seating! You don’t have to wait in line.”
Oh, sweet, so I can just show up when the movie actually starts?
“Nah, we recommend you still get there 45 minutes early.”
Well, at least that guarantees me a good seat if I buy my ticket online ahead of time.
“Well, actually… your seats are assigned when you PICK UP your ticket. And if you lose it or if it fades, you’re out of luck.”
So, I have to get there reallly early or stop by the theater earlier in the week? What do I do the 45 minutes beforehand?
“Well, we roped off an area that you wait in, but you don’t have to wait in an orderly line!”
So, instead we wait in a crowded anxious group.
THIS ALL SOUNDS VERY PLEASANT. I love when my entertainment is modeled after a poorly designed frantic airline.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
What the Fuck is Gold Class??
$29 for a ticket ? + food?? Does it come with a blow job.
I don’t think you have to worry alamo…. unless you implement this funky seating idea.
April 29th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Henri…
Why do things need to get better? Seriously, is going to the movies at the Drafthouse so shitty right now that some completely new scheme for going to the movies and lines and tickets needs to be hatched out?
If I want to avoid lines I can already do that by showing up right before the movie and not having to wait very long in one. Lines are seemingly an evil here that really isn’t an evil. You’re creating lines elsewhere, in different form, and other compound problems. You’re literally basing movie viewing on a well-known horrible industry that prevents people from sitting with friends and adds stress.
You guys are just arbitratily trying to fix something that ain’t broke it seems. Don’t bother. Even the mere mention of this plan has people saying they’ll never come back. I think you guys have gotten a little too corporate for your own good. Gotta always improve and make everything better, and tighter, and faster! Sounds like you guys did the cliche hiring of good corporate consultants who fire off everyone to lean things up only to figure out there’s no one to do the work. Always trying to fix something that isn’t broke, only to break what was working. Shame… you guys were great as an underdog.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
FTW @ANNOYED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 29th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Y’all.
They’re listening. The point of this whole thing is to help customers have a good time.
The whole idea of making two trips to the theater is getting blown way out of proportion. Obviously, that’s a kink that’s become apparent and they’re going to fix it. That’s why they’re brought this idea out for their customers to evaluate. If you don’t like this plan, tell them what you would like. What would be an improvement for you? Really surprised how many folks love lines and waiting. See you on i-35
April 29th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Yeah man, we all love lines and waiting. How’s your “jump to conclusion” mat working for you? I guess you just like waiting in different forms and attempting to make people feel bad for calling something that is foolish, something foolish.
I think it’s safe to say most people hate stupidity, undue stress, extra driving and potentially through traffic nonetheless, extra gas spent, not getting to sit with friends, protecting a sliver of paper for a week from the elements lest we get fucked, wasting extra money online for 100% now obviously useless fees, and fixes for fixes sake.
Oh, just out of curiosity… if the point of this whole thing is to help customers have a good time, how does the “service fee” on online purchases help customers? Boy, it surely doesn’t seem to get me anything more than having to go to the theater and have a ticket printed out now to get a number, right? But you’re right… it’s all just getting blown out of proportion.
I can see that you don’t realize (and everyone else) that they’re trying to test a plan where you get two tickets now. Buying one online is just a precursor to getting the actual ticket (in the form of a number on the paper). A foolish plan indeed. Maybe what we really need is a third form of a ticket that the number gets us. Essentially just taking the “line” you’d have to wait in before the movie and putting it somewhere else (like in traffic to get there to print it out, or to get there 45 min in advance still, or to wait in line to get the actual ticket printed out).
I guess you don’t like to hear what the majority of people (based on this thread) who sit with you in movies cares about, but instead want to minimize their valid gripes.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I understand that they’re taking our comments into consideration, but what problem were they trying to fix in the first place? I buy my tickets online and get there 30-45 min early & I always get a good seat. With this new plan, I still need to get there 45 minutes early, but I may not get the good seat depending on whether other people came & picket up their boarding passes. Also, instead of waiting in a fair and orderly line, now I mingle in the hallway for 45 minutes until someone calls my letter & then we all bumrush to be the first to get in. It sounds frantic to me & doesn’t really seem to be doing me any favor.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
The potential new policy states; “The hope is that with this system in place you’ll be able to pick up your seating pass at your leisure and then either show up to the theater closer to the start time of the movie, or hang out on the patio.” The salient euphemism at work here is “at your leisure.” As in, a leisurely two trips through Austin traffic to the Alamo? (No need to repeat all the sound objections listed above.) Henri, I see that you are checking these responses and I sense your frustration that we don’t just “chill” and take a “wait and see” attitude. Honestly, I believe the high temperatures (non-chill) reflect a sort of disbelief that no one at your meetings took a walk (mentally) in the customers’ shoes on this one. So the question emerges, what is the selling point for the Alamo? That’s why you are hearing from people who think this whole thing is a ruse to sell more concessions or to make lobby life easier on your staff. If that is the case, make us part of that conversation. We are only raising our voices because we love you.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Yeah, Sabrina, I get all of that. And we *did* take several mental walks in the customers’ shoes. Some things we anticipated, some we didn’t, and we’re not frustrated by the high temperatures at all – I just wanted to make the point that this isn’t a done deal.
Selling point for us really started with not enjoying lines. This system was one way we thought of that could help eliminate them, and while we thought about the potential for people to have to make multiple trips, we didn’t think that the reality would include very many of them at all. Right now, I’m still not sure it does. Your ticket will still be waiting for you 30 minutes or even 2 minutes before the showtime. Because making multiple trips doesn’t sound fun, I imagined that most people wouldn’t do that at all.
Anyway, we’re continuing the dialog. If you haven’t seen it already, check out my follow up blog post here: http://bit.ly/dlFIIf. And if you keep thinking we’re being crazy, by all means keep letting us know about it. There’s only so much imaginary walks in other people’s shoes can show you, you know?
April 29th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Henri,
You’re thinking of implementing a plan to benefit the public where you imagined most people wouldn’t use it? Wow. This has solid plan written all over it.
Seriously, I don’t get how this was imagined as helping anyone…
And can you explain why a service fee would still be charged for online tickets with zero added benefit? Hell, negative added benefit. I’ve now wasted my time by buying a ticket online since I really have to go inside the theater to buy a “real” ticket.
April 29th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
I’ve been going to the Alamo since it’s inception and have never, ever minded getting there ass early for a seat. It’s a great time to read up on what’s coming to the Alamo, or check out the Chronicle, have a beer, catch up with friends, etc. It’s the Alamo Ritual.
So please reconsider fixing what’s not really broken.Everyone knows that when you go to a good restaurant, you can usually expect a wait. It’s okay. We’re used to it. It’s part of the experience.
I’m never, ever going to “boycott the Alamo.” That’s just crazypants. But really, take these commenters to heart. The idea of having to make a special trip to pick up tickets in advance (and then not losing them/exposing them to the Texas heat) isn’t settling the anxiety at all.
My suggestion for now would be to have staff prompt moviegoers to abstain from skipping seats when they let the lines into the theater to sit down. This always seems to block out empty seats and leave latecomers stuck in the front rows when there are available seats in the middle section. Maybe that’ll help.
Good luck! Keep the reels rollin’!
April 29th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
BTW has anyone ever tried to “hangout” in the lobby of S. Lamar??? I mean really really?????? There is 0 room in there for anyone to chill and wait for this group situation! Ok we should go to the patio?? You mean the 4 picnic tables where everyone smokes?? Ya that sounds super relaxing! Can’t wait to wait wait wait in the ATX summer heat just to hmmm stand in my own groups line! OHHHHH I get it Alamo! We are supposed to go spend MORE money at the Hi-Ball YAY!
April 29th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
I love going to the Alamo! I always have a good time there. The waitstaff are kind and helpful, the food is not gourmet…but it’s very good, and the fact that someone will come by and give me a coke every now and again is one of the coolest things in the movie-going world. If you guys try this out at South Lamar, I’ll give it a try but I’m not really looking forward to it. I don’t mind the lines. They way I see it, people in the next seating area that is not in the holding pen will queue up anyway so they can get a better position from which to stampede when they are let out.
I really don’t think the system is broke, but I’ll sure let you know what I think about it after I try it.
I appreciate you guys trying to make a better experience for us. The Alamo always seems to look out for its fans/customers.
April 29th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
I’ll take the contrarian view: the lines are my least favorite element of the Drafthouse experience, and if even an imperfect plan like the one presently under consideration is adopted, it will remain a significant improvement. That said, the plan is nevertheless flawed and can be fixed in one of two ways:
1. Eliminate the surcharge for buying online, which frankly is bullshit to begin with. Yes, yes, I know the system runs on pricey software or something, and a “convenience charge” helps cover the expense, but I think you will find UNIVERSAL agreement that no one likes it. You would frankly be better off bumping up prices in other areas to compensate. Not only would eliminating the surcharge make people happy in general, it would eliminate the problem — under the new line plan — of people having to drive to the theater twice (like many others, I refuse to pay the online surcharge and always buy at the box office).
2. As already suggested numerous times, implement assigned seats, just like a Broadway show. There are plenty of software programs that allow for both POS and Internet purchasing – see seatadvisor.com for an example. Yes, I’m sure this software ain’t cheap, but your customers will love you for it.
April 29th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Initial reaction: No lines? I’m intrigued… How?
Very quick second reaction: This is waaaaaaaay too complicated!
And finally: Did they even mill over this idea for more than 5 minutes? I mean, we all have had an idea that pops up, but after close examination we realize that it is utterly flawed. This is one of those ideas.
It’s funny – earlier today as I drove past the South Lamar Alamo on my way home from school, I thought to myself, “Alamo Drafthouse is the best, most awesome local business in Austin”. Honest. It has been my absolute favorite thing to do in Austin since it first opened. And, I am one of the lucky ones who lives in the neighborhood right behind the theater, and can simply walk there for a show. However, as I read this blog I found myself feeling more and more stressed and disappointed with every word.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am very particular. And when it comes to my movie-going experience, I have very high standards. That’s why I have not set foot in a theater other than Alamo (with the rare exception of the Dobie, when a movie I want to see isn’t playing at Alamo) in years. Years! I’ve even missed out on seeing films I looked forward to just because they weren’t playing at Alamo. I also have to be at the theater 45min to an hour before any show because I absolutely MUST have my favorite seat (or close to it). Because I am dedicated to having the best experience possible, I am totally willing to stand in line for what I want. And because of this, 98% of the time I get exactly the seat I want (middle seat, last row). That makes me very, very happy.
Now, however, it seems that the most fair, first-come-first-serve basis will no longer be an option? I believe in hindsight, you guys will probably not go with the original idea of “picking up your ticket at your leisure” to get your seating number, which dictates that in order to have any remote chance of getting a good seat one must make an extra trip way in advance to pick up said ticket. That is by far the biggest flaw in the system.
I also think the idea of picking seats at time of purchase is a flawed idea. It will only work for some, less particular folks – who probably have no problems with the current system anyway. For example: In my case, I would have to plan days or weeks in advance what movie I wanted to see and at what time, and with how many people. I cannot deviate from this plan, because I must purchase all the tickets for my party as soon as they go on sale. This would be the only guarantee that I would get good seats, as well as to be able to sit with my friends. As a matter of fact, any group of 2 or more people would need to buy tickets at the exact same time in order to have the same guarantee. And no one could join you after the fact, or they will most likely have to sit at the other end of the theater.
I have a suggestion – create a simple survey that customers fill out and leave at their seats. Or they fill it out while waiting in line. Either way, I would bet my loyalty to Alamo that the majority of your customers have little issue with standing in line. And the ones that do? Well, I sincerely doubt they will agree that this proposed system would be a worthy substitute.
I am still very sore that the amazingly fun Rolling Roadshows have pretty much died off here in Austin. (Though I have heard that Jaws and Deliverance will be offered this summer – I am so excited!!!) But please, please – don’t take my Alamo movie-going joys away from me also.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:07 am
One more thing (as if I haven’t said enough):
I suppose it could still be considered first-come-first-serve if you pick your seats when you buy your tickets. However, the trade off is that you have to plan every movie in advance. To me, this just isn’t a fair enough trade. A lot of us don’t plan seeing a movie that far in advance, and certainly wouldn’t want to be required to do so.
With all that has been said on this topic, one thing hasn’t been discussed: NOT EVERY SHOW HAS A LINE. Most don’t. You don’t want to stand in a line? There are options – don’t go opening weekend, don’t go during peak movie times. Wait a few weeks. Even Avatar had some showings without lines. At least with the current system we have options.
April 30th, 2010 at 12:21 am
Alamo, I love you. I’ve been going to see movies at your establishment since you were a little baby, with only one theater. But really, this idea sounds chaotic and overly micro managed.
A lot of times South Lamar Alamo shows the better movies. I dont mind driving from Hyde Park to South Austin to see them on weekends. I get there early, stand in line, browse my iphone, get taken into theater, watch awesome clips while I decide what beverage or menu item I will indulge in. Its great. This assigned seating thing is really going to cramp my abilities to even go to the South Austin theater anymore. I have no time to drive south at some point during the week, and with this plan it looks like you will have to if you want decent seating. Even if I were able to go pick up the ticket on a tuesday or wednesday, I will have to treat it like a “baby egg” you would get in a high school home ec class? Can you imagine the mass of angry customers who tickets smudged and are now S.O.L? Oy. Really..where would you expect people to put a pre-purchased ticket, if not in there car or wallet. Both things they will probably need to go to the theater?
I think the current seating arrangement is nice. Its a standard movie theater seating system. It makes sense. Its not like there is a nice place to lounge while you wait for your designated line to form. (You know, like Southwest Airlines have) The Highball is over-priced. And if I want to go shopping for vintage guitars or clothing that is usually done with a larger window of time in mind. Please reconsider the new plan. As an individual who doesnt live around the corner, I wont even be able to spontaneously go to South Austin theater anymore.
April 30th, 2010 at 4:09 am
Keep it simple, stupid (aka K.I.S.S.): get to the theatre early, stand in line, drink yer beer ‘n’ chit-chat with yer pally whilst in line, then take yer seat, no fuss no muss. IT’S THE ‘MERICAN WAY. This whole thing is giving me a headache, rules, rules, rules.
April 30th, 2010 at 4:35 am
no no no no. people who make the effort to get there early should be rewarded by having first pick. just seat us earlier and we can buy more food, and you can make more money that way. please don’t make it random. i don’t want to get there ahead of time only to get crap seats in the front row.
April 30th, 2010 at 5:21 am
Wow. Just read through all the quite thoughtful comments. Thanks all for thinking about it and providing both the positive and negative feedback. There were even some tangential ideas like sending tweets for every new movie on sale. We totally need to be doing that, thanks!
As some of the posters mentioned (and Henri referenced in his follow-up), we did beta-test this during Fantastic Fest. Initial reaction was negative, but after we ran with it for a few days, the overall reaction was very positive. Positive enough that we thought we should give it a trial run this summer.
Most folks seem to be hung up on the idea of driving to Alamo South Lamar twice. I think this will be about 1% of ticket buyers and won’t affect anyone’s ability to get a good seat. What we are really trying to do is keep people’s routine for attending movies the same. If you are one who likes to show up early day of show, please do, but now you can wander around for that hour or so instead of sit in the lobby. If you show up 10 minutes before showtime, your experience will be the same, not a great seat, but you get in and don’t wait in line.
There are certainly communication and crowd control challenges, and those might prove to be insurmountable. This might in fact be a “fail,” or it could be a system that we implement only for giant movie openings like Harry Potter. I’m sure you’ll be hearing more from us on this subject, but in the meantime, I wanted to drop in my two cents.
Tim League
founder
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
April 30th, 2010 at 5:36 am
Ugh, what a hassle. And you’re going to kick people outside during the summer or tell them to “browse local businesses” instead of just showing up and waiting in line for 20 minutes or so? People who show up early to wait in line for a movie know what they’re getting themselves into and are clearly willing to wait.
April 30th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
After living in England for a while, the one thing I truly miss is assigned seating at movies. This sounds like a step in the right direction, but also a lot more complicated than just assigning seats on a first come, first served basis.
April 30th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
I think the idea works fine especially for the movie events it seems intended for – Opening Summer Blockbusters. Most people who show up early usually buy their tickets early. The new system would put them in an early “boarding” group. It simply rewards those who come early. The earlier you arrive, the better boarding number you get. It’s simply the same as now, except you don’t have to wait in line. You can do something else – just make sure to be back when the start letting people in to the theater.
April 30th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
I so appreciate the conscientious way the Alamo handles its copious crowds, and that it’s constantly finding ways to improve. But this waiting-in-line issue seems a little like using a backhoe to dig up an anthill — the potential complications arising from the “solution” stand to cause a lot more stress than the original “problem” ever has. I mean, I realize that standing in line seems just MADLY inconvenient in these days, but really, let’s just get ahold of ourselves here.
May 1st, 2010 at 4:34 am
This is a terrible idea. I agree with the other posters that adding in an ADDITIONAL trip to the theater is madness–and not exactly environmentally friendly for those of us driving cars. Alamo is the only theater I go to, and I often go to S. Lamar even though I live north, but you can believe that won’t be doing that this summer. Back to the horrible megaplexes I guess. Please reconsider this idea STAT. I don’t mind waiting in line–it’s part of the experience and gives me a chance to catch up with friends before the show. But I would definitely, definitely mind having to make two trips.
May 1st, 2010 at 8:47 am
Owner admits to not having stood in a line in a long time…
Check.
Super-obvious encouragement to pay the service charge and buy more drinks…
Check.
Enthusiastic comparison to an airline (that advertises on their own napkins)…
Check.
Idea-Deliverer tells past and future customers to “Chill” after telling us to share our thoughts…
Check.
Forcing us to watch people who arrive at the theater later than us (on shownight) walk in earlier…
Check.
I know this list seems rude, and it probably is. But we go to Alamo for the Full Experience. That includes a line, which includes other people with similar interests, and time to talk. The 2% of people you expect to come to the theater to pick up tickets should scare you. If that’s accurate, just imagine how many customers will be pissed off just so 2% of them can get an earlier seat. And seriously, how do I feel when some jerk is let into a crowded ANYWHERE before me, without waiting in my line, just because he picked up something last week?
All I’ll close with is this: This is a total Dallas move. It would work great there, but not in Austin. We LOVE the Drafthouse and spend lots of money there because you are PURE and RAW…not because you are different. Please stay the same so I can keep bringing my wife to events, and getting a buzz on your delicious beer while hanging with my friends in line for a show.
May 1st, 2010 at 3:29 pm
I would also rather just stand in line, this sounds like it adds complication without adding convenience.
May 2nd, 2010 at 8:59 am
Hi, I just have to ask. Is this a common thing in the US that you can’t book seats online and/or at the actual cinema? I just saw this post pop up in my feed and I recognized the Alamo from Harry Knowles site and was very confused to see this discussion.
May 2nd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I hate this idea. I have to make two trips to see one movie? I can’t leave the ticket in my car or in my wallet? Lines are not a problem. This new procedure is a big one!
May 3rd, 2010 at 12:51 pm
One thing to think of as well with this what about groups of people? There is no way to get everyone the same seating group number. We often go with 1 or 2 other couples so this type of system would really not work well for that. I will say not a big fan of the SW Airlines seating system at all, if I travel with my husband we are almost ALWAYS get to set separately. We also buy tickets online always as live out in small town WAY THE HECK NORTH so for those reasons alone would not go to the Alamo anymore if this were to be put into place, sorry.
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I think DJ nailed it with the 2nd comment way up at the top.
I go to the Alamo lots and have NEVER considered this to be a problem here.
This just seems like a big hassle.
Thumbs down.
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
this seems to punish people who live far away.
May 3rd, 2010 at 3:19 pm
I agree that if you’re going to do this the group number should be assigned at the time of purchase not pickup. It’s a bit ridiculous to make people who have opted for the convenience of buying online have to go pickup their tickets days or potentially even weeks ahead of time just to get a good seating group. I don’t really have much of an issue with waiting in line though. I generally only have to wait in line for brand new releases which is kind of to be expected no matter where you see it. If it’s been out for awhile I usually get there about 60-45 minutes early so I don’t have to wait in line but still get a decent seat and then I decide what to eat & watch the pre-show clips while I’m waiting in my seat.
I’m not sure choosing your actual seat is a better alternative either because then if you are going with a roup of friends that means one person would have to buy all the tickets to reserve seats together which seems like a hassle. They would either have to front everyone the money and hope they get paid back or collect money in advance which seems like too much effort just to go see a movie. I vote for either keeping it the way it is or assigning group numbers at the time of purchase.
May 3rd, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I agree with the majority of responses. The lines are really a non-issue. Any movie goer expects lines, especially for new releases. As others have mentioned it really will be difficult for groups of friends to sit by each other and enjoy a movie. Just coordinating a movie time/location is difficult enough, depending on the number of people. Now you have to coordinate a movie time/location and a time to meet up and get the tickets. If you want a decent seat then you will have to all meet up at least an hour before any movie. I just don’t see this working out well and potentially driving away the the returning customer base that is used to the Alamo ways of how things get done.
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:53 pm
So ever since i read about this back during FF i was kind of excited to see how it would be implemented. Im on board with the new system, but i do have to agree that it would make a little more sense to give out the group number at the time of purchase. It seems that most people seem to be freaking out over the fact that you can swing by at any point to grab your ticket/group number. I know you probably did this to make it as convenient as possible for everyone, but it seems to be the big sticking point with a lot of your customers.
I think what Henri meant by this only affecting 1-2% of people is that no one in their right mind would make 2 trips to the theater because it would be a total hassle. I think they thought that people would show up at the same times they always showed up (roughly an hour before the film) and people would “check in” to grab their group number and then wander over to Highball or something. Personally i’m going to seize the chance to go grab some sake over at Suzi’s… I understand why people are worried that people might snake in front of them, but how many people are going to go to the trouble to go to the theater twice just to get a group number?
So Tim, Henri, Drafthouse, etc. you’ve got 2 easy tweaks you could make to appease 90% of the commenters here:
1. Only allow people to get a group number 2 hours before the start of their movie (most of the people that show up early are getting there 60-90 minutes before their show. If you limit when you can actually get your number, these people shouldn’t be affected by the change, therefore they have nothing left to complain about.
2. Or just assign the group numbers at the time of purchase like everyone else has suggested. Not sure if there are logistal woes here being that some people buy online and others by at the theater…
Im looking forward to this. As someone who has sat in one of those lines for 2 hours during Fantastic Fest and up to an hour and a half for other events, i think this could be awesome. While i would love you to take it all the way and just do assigned seating, i will take what i can get…
For the sake of your employees sanity, perhaps you should think about loosening up your strict “NO REFUNDS” policy while you are still in the testing phase of the new system. People aren’t going to know what to expect, and as you said, there are bound to be kinks in the new system. My only hope is that the Drafthouse would be as patient and understanding with its patrons as it is asking us to be with it.
Good luck.
Gary (patron since ‘99)
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:28 pm
this is WORSE than waiting in line. you still have a crowd hanging around waiting. what happens if you just want to walk up and get tickets for the movie you’re seeing? if you are going with friends, do you have to purchase tickets together to be seated together?
i think this is a very bad idea and will create more problems than it fixes. no one is really that bothered by lines, it’s normal.
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:08 pm
This seems like quite a cluster…
Going to the movies is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, not a chore.
Looks like I’ll be trying Gold Class Cinemas at the Domain. More expensive, but it’ll save me two hours in getting tickets and waiting in line…
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:20 pm
For all the reasons stated, I just want to add +1 to the “I think this is a solution searching for a problem” crowd. It’s not broken, just has a tiny ding on the fender that you only see when the light is just right. No need to buy a new car.
May 3rd, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Give me a number when I buy my ticket online and tell me when that number will be seated. Perfect.
I LOVE the Alamo. I’ll still go…no matter what system is implemented. Everybody needs to chill…
May 3rd, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Dear Alamo Drafthouse Manager (aka “Henri”),
Welcome to the future! In this version of reality, we have this thing called “The Internet” (henceforth referred to simple as the “Net”). In this strange, alternate reality, we can use the Net for this thing called “customer surveys”. These are very useful for soliciting feedback from a customer base (like yours, at least, for the moment…)
Now, I know this is probably completely unknown to you, but a substantial amount of your customer base use the Net in order to purchase tickets at your theater. That being said, it makes them, by default, “Net savvy”.
Suggestion! Why don’t you consider, instead of imposing an untried, untested idea like the one you are currently floating, using the Net to actually solicit feedback from your loyal customers about how you can improve your service. Odds are, your current customer base might actually be able to help you with that! In this alternate reality we live in, that’s called “social networking”. Plus, you won’t need to conduct social experiments on your customers anymore!
You know, we appreciate the whole “Hope and Change” attitude you are embracing, but that is not the kind of hope and change that is going to keep your theater full.
Just a thought…
Chuck
May 4th, 2010 at 9:28 am
For me, waiting in line is the best part! By the time I was more than halfway through the new experimental rules, I was a bit confused and wanted to get in some line somewhere for a beer. NicE to know they haven’t started this at the Alamo Village where I regularly attend.
May 4th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
TWO trips to get a great seat?? — a Delicate ticket to keep track of… Were you smoking when U thought of this Really Bad and inconvenient for the customer idea??? We all LOVE the Alamo… Please leave your excellent theater alone.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
This is an absolutely terrible idea and all the reasons why have already been listed by previous commenters. It makes me want to avoid my favorite Alamo location. Sigh. I really, REALLY hope this doesn’t last.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:16 am
I’ll just have to start wearing tighter jeans.
May 6th, 2010 at 1:23 am
I can not believe I just lost my entire rant. This time I will be more brief. I will not go to South Lamar anymore because of this. It really screws the loyal customers who buy online early and then drive long distances JUST to go to a Drafthouse. I think this is a colossal waste of energy. Bummer.
May 6th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Great idea. The only problem I see with doing full reserved seating (e.g. exact seat assignments) is that I’m sure there will be scalping for big shows. I like your idea of just doing the order of entry.
J
May 6th, 2010 at 6:32 am
I agree with the majority of Alamo customers that
have already said we don’t need to fix this.
I am very particular about where I sit and always show
up early, once Im in line in the theater I can relax knowing
that I will probably be able to get my desired seats.
All this new system will do is make me more stressed
out and angry when I see someone go in front of me
cause they have a better seating number.
I am new to the area and have been enjoying going
to the movies again, your no talking and no cell phone
policies are the best ideas and you make it plain that you
do nt put up with it. You serve beer and food, love it!
Please don’t penalize me for standing in line, I really
don’t mind it at all. I’ve met some nice people standing
in lines, some who are now my best friends.
I also like to be spontaneous usually buying my
tickets online and then arriving at the theater the same
day. I don’t want to have to plan out that far in advance.
The current system works fine, if you go to some other
form of seating system it would be just as easy to wait
for the DVD and watch at my convienience in my
own home theater, I came back to the movie theater
because of the Alamo experience and first come first served
is part of that experience.
Just leave it as it is, preassigned seating would not work
cause if the seats I want aren’t available then I won’t
even bother.
Thanks for giving us an opportunity to voice our
concerns
May 6th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I agree with many here – a better system would be to do it like the airlines do it; show a seating chart at the time of ticket purchase and allow the buyer to choose their seat. Print the seat number on the ticket. Done.
The system you’ve envisioned only requires more hassle for the ticket-buyer. (To have to make an extra trip to the theater ahead of time to “check in” and get a seat assignment? Really? No, thanks. We’d much rather plan to show up early and wait in line, even if the line is out the door and around the corner… at least that doesn’t require an extra trip across town…)
May 6th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Thanks for soliciting feedback from those of us who have been loyal customers for years and years. I have introduced dozens of my friends to the Alamo experience, and they have all become converts. For the last three summers we have planned multiple ‘event movie’ outings that have involved all of us going to a show at a particular time. The personal logistics are pretty staggering when you multiply the number of couples involved. The revenue you generate from my personal ‘event movie’ groups is also significant – although you have no way of seeing this as we do not wear matching shirts or name tags. If we did, you would be suprised at how many of your ‘individual customers’ are actually part of a group.
Your proposed idea will clearly prevent our group from even having a shot at sitting somewhere near each other. Previously we all just ordered tickets online and then showed up at the same time (early) and went in and got seats. As nearly everyone here has said, this is a truly terrible idea, and like others I will vote with my wallet – even though it will break my heart – and we will plan event movies at a regular theater and then go out to dinner as a large group. My peeps will be going with me on this, I assure you. The initial revenue hit may be a blip, but the negative word of mouth will kill your brand, and by the end of the summer I promise you will be hunting down and firing anyone involved with hatching this completely stupid ticketing scheme. Then you can replace them with a bag of hammers to up the collective management IQ.
…and if I may continue my rant for a moment longer…
Do the research, the only reason people put up with the group seating crap on Southwest Airlines is because they are the cheap alternative and bags are free. I personally never fly them for that exact reason – I want my seat. Your idea would potentially work great if you were the cheap alternative for movies, but clearly you are not – those guys are called Regal and Cinemark. Keep yourselves premier and offer what we all really want which is online pre-assigned seating.
…end rant. Thanks again for listening.
May 7th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Putting my hat in the ring of this being a terrible idea as well. I love Alamo enough that I could care less about waiting in line after purchasing my tix online. Waiting in line is what friends and/or Iphones are for!
May 8th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Would it improve the idea if you limited early boarding pass pickup to the actual night of the movie?
For a 7 pm movie, pickup starts at 5 pm. For everyone.
You could even use color-coded plastic flippy recyclable cards like southwest. This would eliminate the fear that vultures arrived on Monday and grabbed all the Friday seats. And the fading ticket issue.
May 9th, 2010 at 1:00 am
Everyone else has detailed why this is a bad idea – but for those keeping count – add one more vote to the FAIL tally.
May 9th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I vote no to the change.
May 10th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
This is the worst idea since showing the Serbian Movie.
May 11th, 2010 at 5:59 am
We love you Alamo Drafthouse!!!
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August 28th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Why not sell tickets like they do for Rock Concerts? You could put an image online of the screen/seating and when we buy our tickets we could also choose our preferred seating. Everyone says that going to the Alamo is an Event. Then sell your tickets like they do for big concert events. When do I get my prize for most brilliant idea?