Medieval Times to Reopen in April

Mar 23, 2021

 Three-hundred-and-seventy-eight days since the last spark flew from clashing steel swords, or the sound of pounding horse hooves reverberated off stone castle walls, or adrenalin-pumped fans dove hands-first into a four-course feast, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament today announced it will reopen the doors of its Chicago castle by late-April. The announcement comes on the heels of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's expansion of Illinois' Phase 4 guidelines to allow indoor performing arts venues accommodating more than 200 people to operate at 25 percent capacity. This provision will allow Medieval Times guests to remain socially-distanced in the 85,000-sq.-ft. castle while cheering their favorite knight from behind the safety of securely-positioned masks.

"We see a light at the end of the tunnel and soon valiant knights on horseback will be charging through it," said Perico Montaner, Medieval Times President and CEO. "In consultation with health experts and government officials we've created a substantial reopening plan that ensures our guests and staff remain safe, without compromising the majesty and excitement fans expect from our tournaments."

The Chicago castle is the seventh of 10 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament locations throughout North America to reopen. Pandemic-responsive experience modifications include a mandate that all guests wear masks and submit to contactless temperature screening before entering the castle. With occupancy reduced to 25 percent, all parties will be seated a minimum of six feet apart in the Grand Ceremonial Arena. Additional updates include:

- Minimal contact entry into the castle
- High-touch areas disinfected multiple times per show
- Digital menus accessible through smartphones and disposable table cards
- Team members screened prior to the start of each shift
- Team members will wear a mask at all times and gloves while handling food or drinks
- Disposable silverware available upon request

Guests can expect a safe, fun and unforgettable experience. Tickets still include a four-course meal and a two-hour jousting tournament featuring six courageous knights, real weapons, beautiful horses and a live flight of the royal falcon.

Medieval Times expects to welcome approximately 2,000 team members back across all locations once they reopen.