TAMPA, Fla. — Fifty years ago today, Tampa International Airport came into its own.
What You Need To Know
- Tampa International Airport debuted its innovative "spoke-and-hub" design on April 15, 1971
- To celebrate, TIA gave away a $1,000 shopping spree and more via social meda
- Visitors to the airport today were treated to special prizes and photo ops
The former Drew Field—completed in 1929 and renamed Drew Army Airfield during the run-up to World War II—has been called Tampa International Airport since around 1950, when the post-war boom brought more civilian business and tourism travel to its runways. But it was on April 15, 1971 that the facility debuted the now-iconic “spoked” terminal design (reportedly to more than 50,000 visitors?!) that defines what would become one of the nation’s most highly-rated airports.
Travelers visiting TIA today were (and are!) treated to prizes, food and photo ops in the Main Terminal; the festivities are being shared via Stories on the airport’s Instagram page.
Tampa International also marked the occasion with a social media contest offering a “VIP Experience” including a $1,000 shopping spree sponsored by various on-site TIA shops and restaurants, a special tour of the airfield and a gift basket full of swag; second and third prizes were also offered, with the winners being chosen this very afternoon.
And finally, here’s a look at some of the TIA-related travels, memories and experiences shared by members of the Tampa Bay community:
TPA Celebrates 50 years with memories from the community from Tampa International Airport on Vimeo
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