Q2 2025

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The Great Hall Program is quickly approaching another major milestone as the final touches are being made on the new East Security Checkpoint. The new checkpoint sits directly across from the West Security Checkpoint on the north end of Level 6 in the Jeppesen Terminal and accommodates another 17 security lanes. The new lanes are equipped with the latest screening technology to further expedite and enhance the passenger screening process.

The new checkpoint opens at 3 a.m. on Aug. 5, at which time the South Security Checkpoint on Level 5 will permanently close. Both the East and West Security Checkpoints will accommodate standard screening, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and CLEAR with PreCheck passengers.

East Security Checkpoint TSA screening equipment ready for service

Passengers can find both checkpoints at the north end of Level 6. If you are being dropped off on Level 6 West, look for doors 606-600, with TSA PreCheck access closest to doors 602 and 600. If you are being dropped off on Level 6 East look for doors 501-505 with TSA PreCheck closest to door 501 and 503.

Both the East and West Security checkpoints will operate from 3 a.m. – 1 a.m. (the next morning). Please note, all security checkpoints will continue to be closed from 1-3 a.m. daily. Passengers should use the designated entrance based on the following traveler groups:

• East/West Security 1: This entrance is for standard screening passengers, which makes up the majority of DEN passengers.
• East/West Security 2: This entrance is for Restricted Access, which consists of various groups, including:
• CLEAR without PreCheck
• Premium/Premier Access
• Accessibility and Functional Needs
• Military
• DEN Reserve – make reservations here (West Checkpoint only)
• East/West Security 3: This entrance is for TSA PreCheck passengers as well as CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck.

Similar to other U.S. airports, the new equipment will allow TSA to screen carry-on baggage and passengers, using the latest technology while enhancing safety and improving the passenger journey. Features of the new equipment include:

• Allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously to help expedite the process
• Enhanced technology that allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags
• Automatic diversion of any carry-on bag that may contain a prohibited item, allowing other travelers’ belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted
• Automatic bin returns to the front of the line
• Larger bins to fit more items and larger bags
• Unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are attached to each bin, allowing for additional accountability of a traveler’s carry-on property as they move throughout the security screening process
• Cameras that capture photographic images of the contents of each bin and are linked side-by-side to the X-ray image of a carry-on bag’s contents

Walkway to Concourse A Returns

With the opening of the East Security Checkpoint, passengers will once again be able to walk over the bridge to Concourse A. Please note the bridge to Concourse A is only available post-security so passengers must go through TSA security first. Passengers departing or arriving out of Concourse A are encouraged to utilize the walkway for a more efficient experience.

If you are traveling out of Concourse B or C or would prefer to take the train, you will still be able to take the escalators or elevators down to the Level 4 train platform.

Please see the graphic below on the various paths available post-security.

As we prepare for the opening of our second new state-of-the-art checkpoint, we will continue to share and post information and tips. Follow our social media accounts or visit flydenver.com for more information.

Graphic displaying available walking paths from the security checkpoints.

Since our last update in late March, ticket counters for 24 of DEN’s airlines have been successfully relocated to temporary ticketing counters on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. As you can imagine, that was no small feat! The Great Hall team spent months planning move logistics, working with airline partners, adapting airport-wide signage and preparing staff.

Airline relocations began in early April, moving all carriers previously located on the southwest end of Level 6 to pods 20 and 23 on Level 5. Throughout June, all carriers on the southeast end of Level 6 were moved to pods 21 and 22. The last of these airlines, Alaska, began operations on Thursday, June 26.

Southwest, Frontier and United Airlines remain on Level 6 in ticketing pods one, two and seven/eight, respectively. See the map below for the locations of all airline ticketing counters.

The airlines will remain on Level 5 for approximately two years while the south end of Level 6 is renovated. See the next article for more information on the exciting renovations underway.

(Click on map to enlarge)

You may wonder what’s happening to the space where airline ticket counters used to be on the south end of Level 6 in the Jeppesen Terminal?

As previously mentioned, DEN relocated the majority of the airlines to enable crews to renovate their previous spaces on the south end of Level 6. The southwest side of Level 6 was closed in early May, and the southeast portion of Level 6 closed in early July. Behind construction walls, crews are renovating the airline check-in/ticketing areas with new flooring, ceiling, mechanical systems and much more.

After Labor Day, the south end of Level 5 will close (where the South Checkpoint is currently located) for renovation. This space will be known as The Living Room, where travelers can kick back and relax, complete with Colorado craft beer. Renovations will create a space with ample seating and dining options to enjoy around the feature art piece, The Stars and the Cottonwood. On Level 6, a new food court and additional seating will be available.

This is the final phase of the Great Hall Program and will open in late 2027.

The Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA) began construction in December 2023, and crews have been working to transform the once empty concrete space into the place for future aviation talent.

Although construction is not visible to the public, crews have been full steam ahead since construction began building out this one-of-a-kind center that will be a hub for the top aviation talent and training opportunities at DEN. The conference rooms and office spaces are taking shape and new escalators and stairs have been installed for the entrance into the space. Not to mention, crews completed the vital installation of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security systems and walls! Construction of the CEEA space is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2025.

CEEA is an integral piece in implementing DEN’s Vision 100 strategic plan and preparing the airport for 100 million annual passengers and beyond. The CEEA facility is designed to improve how we connect with the community and support CEEA’s goals, with spaces devoted to supporting CEEA’s key programming areas:

• The Training Academy aims to give small businesses a systematic approach to submitting proposals and winning contracts at DEN by giving them the information and skills they need to be successful.
• The Career Pathways program offers engagement, education and opportunities to the younger generation, and training and leadership development to all employees. 
• The Research and Innovation Lab that will serve as a place to conduct aviation research, identify best practices, and adapt new and existing technologies, creating a space for learning and developing a hub for the top aviation talent.

We look forward to celebrating the completion of this first-of-its-kind aviation facility in the coming months!

Photo 1- Rendering of CEEA Welcome Desk; Photo 2- Welcome Desk area progress; Photo 3- Rendering of Research & Innovation Lab; Photo 4- Research & Innovation Lab progress; Photo 5- Rendering of Hall of Equity; Photo 6- Hall of Equity progress

When you know, you know. This was the case for Kimberly Kling when she was recruited by Hensel Phelps right out of college, and the rest is history. Kimberly began her career in the construction industry as a field engineer with Hensel Phelps (HP) in 2010, which also marked the start of her long journey working on various construction projects at Denver International Airport (DEN).

Kling, who grew up in South Dakota, stayed close to home to attend South Dakota State University. It was there that she was recruited by HP and was offered a job after just one interview. Fifteen years later and Kling's resume has grown to say the least! Her career started at DEN and continued through many critical projects at the airport (with some fun travel to new places for other projects in between), including her return to DEN in 2016 for the Level 5.5 Baggage Project and again in 2021 to kick off the Great Hall Program where she has been ever since.

With years of invaluable experience at DEN, Kling has ensured that multiple projects critical to the Great Hall Program's overall construction timeline were completed on time and on budget. These undertakings include the development of new Baggage Service Offices (BSO) on Level 5, the construction of new tenant spaces throughout the terminal, the build-out of new airline ticket offices and, most recently, the completion of the Interim Ticketing Project that was critical to moving forward with completing the final phases of construction for the Great Hall.

"My favorite aspect of working at DEN is the team I collaborate with and the understanding that I contribute to such a significant project in Colorado,” Kling said. “Once the Great Hall is finished, it will genuinely change the passenger experience through better ticketing processes, enhanced security measures and an atmosphere that truly integrates outdoor aesthetics."

For individuals pursuing careers in the construction industry, Kling advocates for maintaining your toughness and expecting to face numerous challenges. She says, “I believe that the construction industry is the most rewarding industry to be a part of. If you want to see something new and different on a day-to-day basis, this industry will deliver that. In your career, there is nothing more exciting than starting a project and nothing more rewarding than finishing a project. The in-between will be challenging, and there will be hard times, but at the end of the day, you will be proud of the lessons you learned and memories you made.”

In her free time, Kimberly enjoys traveling and experiencing new places with her husband, Josh, especially if that new place has waterfalls. Along with being a mom of two and embracing all the things that ‘Mom-Life’ brings, you can also find her visiting new breweries, spending time in her yard or keeping up with ‘select’ professional sports.

Photo 1- Center for Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA): Escalator installation; Photo 2- Bridge to/from Concourse A: Carpet installation; Photo 3- Baggage Refresh: Claim #12 refresh completed; Photo 4- Level 6, MOD 3 West: Demolition progress; Photo 5- East security checkpoint: TSA equipment; Photo 6 - East and West security checkpoint: New elevator progress; Photo 7- Ansbacher Hall: Public/sterile corridor progress; Photo 8 - Domestic Arrivals Area: Ticketing POD 21

When envisioning the Great Hall Program, DEN knew that success would be greater with Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) alongside them. DEN set significant goals for M/WBE subcontractor participation for all contractors on the program, the highest being 56% from LS Gallegos. LS Gallegos as well as Hensel Phelps, Jacobs and Stantec are anticipated to meet or surpass the set goals.

To date, the Great Hall Program has worked with 109 firms and awarded 389 M/WBE contracts, providing meaningful opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses to thrive. DEN is committed to embracing inclusivity and leading the charge in innovation. Check out the program dashboard below for each contractor’s goal and M/WBE participation.

Sign up for the Great Hall Project newsletters by visiting our project page!

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

8500 Peña Blvd., 8500 Peña Blvd.,

Denver, CO 80247