Digital Content Development for Airside D

The Authority seeks a qualified Content production provider to develop and deliver immersive digital Content for two large-scale, custom-designed, architecturally integrated, immersive features (ceiling-hung) and two smaller, interactive LED pools (floor-mounted), collectively referred to as Media Features, for Airside D. The Media Features will enhance the Airport passenger experience and highlight the Tampa Bay region. The Awarded Respondent will create a comprehensive Content inventory that encompasses the development, production, post-production, and integration of pre-rendered, real-time, and audio Content.

The Awarded Respondent will continue to provide digital Content services and updates for the Media Features as requested by the Authority throughout the Term of the Contract (as defined in the Sample Contract attached hereto as Attachment A) through the issuance of Work Orders. In the future, the Awarded Respondent may also be requested to provide digital Content for other Airport locations or Media Features as determined by the Authority.

The Airport is a major economic driver for the Tampa Bay region, serving as the gateway to the west coast of Florida and generating over $11 billion in annual economic activity. As the 27th busiest airport in the U.S., the Airport is consistently ranked among the world’s most beloved airports and is on track to serve more than 25 million annual passengers in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The Airport offers nonstop service to more than 120 destinations around the world and is widely recognized as a leader in the industry, as demonstrated by awards from entities such as Airports Council International, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, J.D. Power, Condé Nast, and Travel + Leisure, among others, at state, national, and international levels.

More than 20 commercial airlines operate from the Airport’s four Airside Terminals. The Authority’s diverse group of business partners, which includes concessions, airlines, rental cars, and construction companies, employs more than 10,000 people.

The Authority has completed the first two phases of its 3-phased Master Plan. The projects in the first two phases included the largest construction program in the Authority’s history with a major Main Terminal renovation, 66 shops and restaurants, a 1.4-mile automated people mover extending to a multi-level rental car facility, award-winning Express Curbsides for faster passenger drop-off and pickup, a nine-story office complex, and numerous public art installations, including a world-famous 21-foot pink flamingo in the Main Terminal.

In early 2025, the Authority broke ground on Phase 3, a new 16-gate terminal, Airside D — the Airport’s first new Airside Terminal in over 20 years. The project is expected to be completed in late 2028. Airside D, the crown jewel of Phase 3 of the Airport’s Master Plan, will be 600,000 square feet in size and feature vast concessions space, two airline lounges, state-of-the-art U.S. Customs and security facilities, as well as the latest screening, gate check-in, and bag processing technologies. The facility’s 16 gates will serve both domestic and international flights, bringing the Airport’s total number of gates to 72.

The Airport's design goals are to achieve the world’s best and most sustainable transportation facilities by utilizing innovative solutions that integrate technology and engage with the natural environment for all users. The futuristic thinking employed in the Master Plan, along with the Main Terminal’s unique planning and the individual airside expressions, should continue with an appropriate "Sense of Place" expression for the various aspects of the Tampa Bay region.

The inspiration for Airside D is “Tranquil Tampa,” an inspiration drawn from nature via natural springs, surface water, the shape of airborne moisture particles, and double rainbows. Airside D will feature the refreshing characteristics of the Tampa Bay region, with cherished natural springs and crystal-clear pools of water that will influence the spatial form while radiating tranquility. The shape of Airside D will be balanced with color, texture, and technology to allow passengers to move intuitively and with ease upon departure and arrival. The departing path post-security will focus on a central “oasis” surrounded by concessions, featuring clerestory glazing to provide daylight and accompanied by direct views to the outdoors, depending on the location. The goal is to create a uniquely refreshing experience while being immersed in the Media Features.

Travelers want to see what makes Tampa Bay unique. The region hosts some of Florida’s most diverse wildlife, from birds to dolphins and manatees, as well as crabs and fish, many of which call this estuary home. With a location in the middle of migrating birds that trek to Central and South America from their summer nesting grounds, Tampa Bay hosts birds seldom seen in other parts of the country. The birds stop at local beaches and wildlife preserves to rest and refuel over a season that spans from October to early November in the Fall and from mid-March to late-April in the Spring. While Florida holds the title of Fishing Capital of the World, Tampa Bay is Florida’s largest open-water estuary system and the crown jewel of inshore fishing. There are over 200 species of fish that travel through this fishery or permanently live here year-round.

The Tampa Bay region’s water is blended from three different sources: groundwater, river water, and desalinated seawater. Tampa Bay Water is the only water utility in the United States to utilize these three sources of water in combination. Additionally, vegetation blankets the sandy soil, and double rainbows grace the late-day sky during June and July when the sun is lower on the horizon.

Please refer to Attachment B, Ascend which summarizes the Airport’s vision for the traveler experience and serves as a foundation for decisions regarding planning and design across the campus. Facility preview and design elements for Airside D start on page 36 of Attachment B.

Please refer to Attachment D, Airside D Renderings for the most recent renderings of Airside D.

The background information provided in this Section is intended only to give prospective Respondents a brief familiarization with the Authority and the Airport. All Airport data provided as part of this Solicitation is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a guarantee of business. The information shown herein has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable. However, the Authority and its Board, officers, employees, agents, and contractors are not liable for the accuracy of the information or for its use by Respondent. Respondent must examine and inspect this Solicitation and all its appendices, attachments, and exhibits to be knowledgeable of the requirements and terms and conditions. The Respondent must independently evaluate the circumstances and conditions that may affect its Response and its ability to provide the required Services.

The Authority's mission and vision statements, found on the Authority website at www.TampaAirport.com > Business & Careers > Business Opportunities > Supplier Resources > Working with Procurement, will serve as the platform to guide the Awarded Respondent in providing Services.

Media Features

The Media Features will incorporate high-resolution LED displays in a unique configuration, designed to enhance the guest experience and express the Tampa Bay region. The digital Content program developed for the Media Features will serve as an expression of the Tampa Bay region's multiple dimensions and rich history. Natural elements can generate automatic stress relief and the Authority anticipates that this will be further considered to enhance the traveler experience and encourage positive person-to-person engagement among travelers, employees, tenants, and guests.

The Media Features are located at the central oasis of Airside D, an area designed for visual engagement and an interactive experience in the LED pools and to introduce a sense of calm after clearing the TSA checkpoint.

The images below reflect the rendering of the final design of Airside D and the Media Features.

Central Oasis and Media Features

Gate Seating and Restaurant with a view of the Media Features