Nashville International Airport, also known as BNA, unveiled the ‘Concourse D extension’ at an exclusive pre-opening reception co-hosted by the Arts at the Airport Foundation. Featuring five new gates, eight new locations to shop, eat and drink, a moving walkway and three original pieces of artwork, the extended concourse culminates in a record node—a rotunda with panoramic views from which travelers can access BNA’s first outdoor terrace, offering views of the airfield and even downtown Nashville. Opening to the public on July 8, the Concourse D extension is the first project to be completed under New Horizon, the $3 billion growth and renovation plan at BNA.

“The completion of the Concourse D extension (on time and under budget) not only marks a major milestone for the New Horizon program, but it also gives us the space and resources needed to turn our attention to upcoming projects, such as the demolition and reconstruction of Concourse A, the creation of a Central Ramp and improved terminal roadways,” said Doug Kreulen, president/CEO of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority. “The New Horizon projects are essential to enabling BNA’s ability to support 40 million annual passengers in the future.”

Many federal, state and local officials were in attendance, alongside additional community leaders and partners, with remarks given by Doug Kreulen, president/CEO of MNAA; Jimmy Granbery, board vice chair, MNAA; Freddie O’Connell, mayor of the Metro government of Nashville/Davidson County; Bill Hagerty, United States senator (Tennessee); Butch Eley, deputy governor and ‘commissioner of transportation’ for Tennessee; Stuart McWhorter, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; and Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer, Southwest Airlines. Their remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships and investment in key industries such as infrastructure, music and food in light of the unprecedented growth experienced by Nashville and BNA.

The program opened with Kreulen sharing remarks and introducing ‘BNA: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,’ a visual storytelling of BNA’s past, present and future that is narrated by Multi-Platinum Recording Artist and Actor Trace Adkins. At the conclusion of the video, Kreulen introduced Adkins, who came to the stage. Kreulen expressed his gratitude for Adkins’ participation in the video, lending his singular voice to tell the story of BNA and where the airport is heading next. 

Among the features unveiled at the exclusive pre-opening were three unique, show stopping pieces of artwork on display in the Concourse D extension:

• ‘Twine with my Mingles’ by Nashville-based artist Elizabeth Williams of New Hat Projects, a 180-foot-long piece that lines the moving walkway created by loom-style weaving custom-printed wristbands.
• ‘A Thread Without End’ by Los Angeles-based artist Benjamin Ball of Ball-Nogues Studios, comprised of 620 stainless steel spheres suspended in the concessions area between gates D7 and D8.
• ‘Our Radiant City’ by Nashville-based artist Brenda Stein, encircling the center of the record node featuring depictions of some of Nashville’s most recognizable buildings in shimmering terrazzo, acting as a focal point when passengers enter.

The Concourse D extension features eight new concepts for passengers to eat, drink and shop:

• 3rd & Broadway: At the heart of Nashville’s entertainment district lies the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Broadway, where everyone comes to soak up the sights, sounds, flavors and experiences that make Nashville a top tourist destination.
• Sandella’s Flatbread Café: Signature flatbreads, refreshing juices and artisanal coffees are featured.
• New Heights Cantina & Taqueria: Award-winning local New Heights beer complements Mexican cuisine. This concept features a breakfast menu, live music and a Taco Truck for orders on the go.
• The Castle: This vibrant restaurant and bar is the perfect spot for soccer fans to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks and the thrill of Nashville SC action before your flight.
• Flytes Virtual Dining Hall: Modernized airport dining with fresh meals and diverse options are featured.
• Daniel X Diamond: Country music’s favorite fashion brand, is now offering a variety of rhinestoned products in addition to their signature fringe jackets at BNA.
• Nashville Tracks by Hudson: The city’s musical legacy and history of producing craft spirits are featured. Travelers can also browse products from local artisans alongside travel essentials, like snacks, beverages, tech needs and books.
• Martini: Expertly crafted martinis, savory sandwiches, flatbreads, craft beers and Frothy Monkey Coffee are featured.

The design-build team for the Concourse D extension is Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects. Construction involved 715 total workers, 79% of whom are local, and approximately 700,000 man hours of work.