Denver International Airport Reveals Plans For Final Phase Of Great Hall Program

Modernized Jeppesen Terminal Will Meet Needs of Current and Future Traveling Public for Next 50 years and Reflect Colorado’s Unique Culture 

DENVER – Feb. 18, 2025 – Denver International Airport (DEN) today revealed plans and renderings for the final phase of the Great Hall Program. The Completion Phase of the program will finalize the full build-out of the Jeppesen Terminal, bringing it up to speed for future growth and critical infrastructure needs.

“It’s rare to have an opportunity to reconstruct a major airport terminal and to modernize and reimagine it for the needs of today’s travelers as well as travelers of the future. But the Great Hall Program is allowing us to do just that. The final phase will result in an iconic space inspired by the natural beauty of Colorado designed to leave a memorable first and last impression,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “When the entire project is complete in 2027, it will have been delivered on time and under budget. This is a total team effort of which I am immensely proud!”

Specifically, the final design of the Great Hall is intended to:

A video and renderings detailing the plans can be found at: https://www.flydenver.com/about-den/projects-and-infrastructure/great-hall-program/

North Level 5

(Level below the East and West Security Checkpoints, outside of International Arrivals)

The north end of Level 5 will be known as the Global Gateway and will be where international passengers arrive and connect through Denver to easily transfer back through security for a flight to other cities. Eight new security lanes will be added (four on the east and four on the west) to provide a seamless experience for international travelers connecting through DEN and to provide additional capacity for increasing passenger volumes. This space will create a warm welcome to Denver by showcasing some of the cultural aspects of the area through public art. This includes the return of Spirit of the People, DEN’s beloved work that tells the story of Native Americans in the Colorado region through paintings, photographs, photo murals and audio music. This area will also house DEN’s statue of Elrey Jeppesen, the terminal’s namesake.

Center Level 5

(Level where Domestic Arrivals come up from the train)

The center of Level 5, known as Welcome Home Colorado, is where domestic travelers arrive and are greeted by their awaiting friends and family. The area will have ample seating and a large flight information board as well as a new centralized information booth to provide support and information for arriving passengers. It will be spacious and bright with new lighting and spots to grab coffee, essentials or gifts.

South Level 5

(Level and space where the South Security Checkpoint is currently located)

The south end of Level 5, known as the Living Room, will be a high-energy space filled with a variety of comfortable seating options and tables as well as numerous dining options. This area includes four security lanes to serve travelers arriving via the RTD A-Line. These are enclosed in a structure that is flanked by a bar that will be an ideal place to sample Colorado craft beers. Above the lanes, there will be a food court with ample seating and new places to eat and hang out. The area will have greenery, large information boards so that guests can keep an eye on flights and other playful Colorado elements.

The Living Room will be anchored by DEN’s newest public artwork, The Stars and the Cottonwood by artist Donald Lipski. This 60-foot-high sculpture, inspired by the area’s native cottonwood trees that historically signified water, food and shelter opportunities to those traveling west, will feature over 30,000 Swarovski crystals. The Stars and the Cottonwood is part of the City’s 1% for Public Art Ordinance that directs 1% of any capital improvement project over $1 million undertaken by the city be set aside for the inclusion of art. An entertainment space under the tree will showcase live Colorado music and other performances. A sensory space will also be in this area on the level above to help overstimulated customers decompress, along with the interfaith Chapel and Masjid.

Upcoming Milestones

Construction activity will move to the south end of the Terminal in May, 2025, with work taking place on Level 6 West in the airline ticket counter area before moving to the east side.

The East Security Checkpoint will open in August, 2025 and the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation is anticipated to be complete by the end of the year. The Great Hall Program will be completed in 2027.

To learn more about the Great Hall Program or sign up for the project newsletter visit the project page.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.