Community Corner

Tampa International Airport To Celebrate 50th Anniversary Thursday

The event will include giveaways, a sweepstakes drawing and special prizes for travelers passing through the terminal.

The Airport’s Main Terminal building opened to the public on April 15, 1971.
The Airport’s Main Terminal building opened to the public on April 15, 1971. (TPA)

TAMPA, FL — Tampa International Airport will celebrate 50 years of serving the Tampa Bay community on Thursday with giveaways, a sweepstakes drawing and special surprises for travelers passing through the terminal that day.

The Airport’s Main Terminal building opened to the public on April 15, 1971. Over the years, TPA has been a leader in airport innovation and earned acclaim as one of the best in the industry thanks to its layout, convenience and customer service excellence.

"This building has been the source of countless special memories," said Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano. "I'm proud to say that after all these years, we're better and stronger than ever and it's all because of our incredible team and the support of our passengers and community.”

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To celebrate this milestone, the Airport is hosting a sweepstakes to give away a $1,000 gift card for redemption at TPA’s shops and restaurants. The winner will also get a TPA swag basket and an exclusive airfield tour. There will be smaller prizes for second and third place.

The contest is open until April 15 at 10 a.m. and winners will be announced later that day.

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See details here: https://tpasweepstakes.wishpondpages.com/50/

On April 15, travelers will enjoy:

  • Giveaways for every 50th passenger going down the escalator, exiting the shuttles and at other key touchpoints.
  • 50th-anniversary décor around the Main Terminal
  • A TPA branded photo station
  • Special anniversary videos playing throughout the Main Terminal and on social media
  • Snacks and treats

The community is playing an important role in the celebration, sharing more than 140 photos and videos of their best memories at TPA for a special anniversary video, which will debut on Thursday.

“Tampa International Airport has been a crown jewel of our region for 50 years and we look forward to building on that legacy for decades to come,” said HCAA Chairman Gary Harrod. “We very much enjoy our roles as stewards of this great Tampa Bay institution, and we are grateful to our team and passengers who make it one of America’s finest airports.”


This press release was produced by the Tampa International Airport. The views expressed are the author's own.

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