Denver International Airport's $14.5 Million Sign Goes Dark
Denver International Airport likes to do things on a grand scale, from its mountaintop-like roof to the wintertime ice skating rink it's operated. Not to mention the airport's massive growth plans for the coming years, looking to expand the airport with an additional 39 gates costing $1.5 billion. It's no surprise, then, that when it comes to signage, the airport goes big as well.
Anyone flying in or out of Denver International Airpot (DEN) in the past year has surely noticed the giant LED lighting and advertising display on Pena Blvd. The sign, which was built by Panasonic, was supposed to be a key feature of the airport — not to mention show off Panasonic's new LED lighting technology. With a price tag of $14.5 million, the display is malfunctioning only 16 months after being turned on, according to an article from the Denver Post.
The sign, which is made of LED rods programmed to smoothy switch between colors and large monitor displays to show advertising, has been a constant headache since its installation. Now, the airport has finally decided to shut down the rods until Panasonic can correct the issue. Airport spokesperson Emily Williams told the Post that, "The airport has chosen to turn off the sticks until Panasonic can fix the problems that are occurring." The larger monitors that display messages and advertising, however, are still working.
Is this simply a case of malfunctioning technology, or could it be part of a new conspiracy theory for the airport? Only time will tell.
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app