The National Association of Theatre Owners is reporting that the average price of a ticket to go see a movie went down in the third quarter — but only a little. Deadline.com reports that the average price in the quarter was $8.51, down 3% from $8.73 in the second quarter.
However, prices are still up from a year ago. The third quarter is up 3% from Q3 a year ago, and the average for the year to date is tracking at $8.60, higher than the record of $8.43 a year ago.
People are still going to the movies. Admissions for the period Jan. 1-Oct. 16 were 1.037 billion, up 1.5% from 1.022 billion for the same period a year ago.
In case you’re thinking $8.51 is less than you’ve been paying lately, Deadline notes that the organization averages all ticket prices, including those for ages and time periods that receive a discount.
If you catch the early shows (before noon) on Tuesday and Wednesday, prices are below $8 at most chains.