Skip to content

Denver International Airport's $14.5 Million Sign Goes Dark

April 21, 2019
2 min read
untitled-269
Denver International Airport's $14.5 Million Sign Goes Dark
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

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.

Photo by Denver International Airport

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

4.5 / 5
Go to review
Rewards rate
2X miles2 miles per dollar on every purchase
5X miles5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
10X miles10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 150,000 bonus miles
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
740-850Excellent

Pros

  • The Capital One Venture X business card has a lucrative welcome offer.
  • In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.

Cons

  • The card requires significant spending to earn the welcome offer.
  • Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
  • Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
  • Top rated mobile app