Something Squirrelly this Way Comes

Public Invited to Terminal 2 Open House

RDU Airport, NC — Raleigh-Durham International Airport will introduce the new Terminal 2 to the public on Saturday, October 11. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., members of the public are invited to tour the new terminal, which will officially open for business when the first flight departs on Sunday, October 26.

“During the development phase of Terminal 2, the airport focused on creating a terminal that not only simplifies and enhances the travel experience for our passengers, but one that also reflects the dynamic region RDU serves,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s director of marketing.

At the open house, the public will see firsthand how the region influenced the architecture of the building, from the large wood trusses to the terrazzo flooring and granite and tile walls that reflect the region's history of craftsmanship.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to sample the regional fare that will be featured in Terminal 2 courtesy of 42nd St Oyster Bar, Carolina Ale House and Brookwood Farms Barbecue. National favorites, including California Pizza Kitchen and Gordon Biersch, will also offer samples from their menus.

Specialty retail shops featured in the first phase of Terminal 2 will give the public a sneak peek into items the shops will offer travelers. Shops in Terminal 2 include locally-based Anders Natural Soap Co. and 2nd Edition Booksellers, along with Borders Books, Techshowcase and University Market/University Kids, among others.

Volunteers will be on hand to provide attendees information on the art featured in the terminal, themes that guided the design of the new building and the technology used in the building to improve the passenger experience and terminal operations.

Tours of the new processing area for arriving international travelers will also be available.

Other festivities planned include live music from local musicians and activities for children.

The Passenger Experience
The open house will highlight the passenger experience and will begin in the airline check-in area.

Designed to ease congestion, the airline counters are located in the middle of the lobby in a unique island design. Thirty-eight electronic kiosks are placed throughout the lobby for ticketless travelers. The design and placement of the counters and kiosks ensures that passengers can move easily and effortlessly from airline check-in to security screening.

The concourse features 25 specialty retail shops and restaurants, two moving walkways and 19 boarding gates, including three gates for international flights.

Terminal 2 Phase Two
The first flight will depart Terminal 2 the morning of Sunday, October 26. Within weeks of the opening, what remains of Terminal C will be demolished to make way for the second phase of Terminal 2.

When the second phase is completed in Winter 2011, Terminal 2 will be more than 900,000 square feet, nearly three times the size of Terminal C.

The second phase will also bring an additional 17 specialty retail shops and restaurants, 13 gates and two additional works of art.

RDU Terminal Name Changes
When Terminal 2 opens, Terminal A will be renamed Terminal 1. The numeric designation follows industry standards and addresses the elimination of a facility known as Terminal B when it was combined with Terminal A in the early 1990s.

The $570 million project is being financed by airport revenue bonds that will be repaid through airport revenue, including a passenger facility charge. No state or local tax proceeds were used for its construction.

Updated information on Terminal 2 and the public open house can be found at www.rdu.com.