Eppley Airfield's New Look
Eppley Airfield to unveil new central pavilion by 2027 CWS for enhanced first impressions.
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Eppley Airfield is in the middle of a $950 million makeover — and Omaha wants it done before the world comes to watch baseball. A new Central Pavilion is set to open in 2027, just in time for the College World Series (CWS), according to Omaha World-Herald. Airport officials say it will fix the biggest complaint visitors have: a clunky, split-terminal setup that forces passengers to use outdoor walkways.
The timing matters. When Alabama and Troy landed in Omaha for the 2026 CWS, AL.com sportswriter Michael Casagrande mocked the airport's dated look on social media. The jokes went viral. Locals pushed back hard. Then Casagrande published what he called a "love letter to Omaha," praising the city's food and hospitality. Airport officials took note — and pointed to the construction cranes as their answer, according to North Platte Telegraph.
A $950 Million Bet on First Impressions
The "Build OMA" Terminal Modernization Program broke ground on February 20, 2024. It is the airport's biggest upgrade in four decades. The project will grow the terminal from 375,000 square feet to 646,000 square feet — a 72% increase. Gate count rises from 19 to 22, with new international capability added, according to Grow Omaha.
By February 2026, the project hit the 50% completion mark. Director of Planning Daniel B. Owens confirmed it was "on time and on budget," according to Grow Omaha. Eppley now serves 5 million passengers a year. That number is expected to grow fast as Omaha expands its employer base and tourism.
The Outdoor Walkway Problem Ends in 2027
Right now, traveling through Eppley is awkward. The airport split its terminal in January 2025 to allow construction. Since mid-February 2025, passengers have had to walk outside to get between the North and South terminals. That is the exact setup Casagrande mocked — and it is a real inconvenience, according to Columbus Telegram.
The new Central Pavilion will fix that. It will connect both sides of the airport under one roof. It will also house a centralized security checkpoint and new local food and retail options. Airport officials plan to feature brands like Block 16, Runza, and Scooters — names that mean something to Nebraskans and out-of-towners alike, according to Beatrice Daily Sun.
CWS Revenue Makes the Deadline Non-Negotiable
The College World Series is not just a baseball tournament for Omaha — it is an economic engine. The 2025 CWS alone generated a record $147.6 million for the metro area, according to Omaha World-Herald. Tens of thousands of out-of-state fans fly in every June. Their first and last impression of Nebraska is Eppley Airfield.
Airport Authority CEO Dave Roth says the project will "modernize this airport and enhance the travel experience for decades to come." Board Chair Eric Butler has called it a "gateway to our community." Governor Jim Pillen and Mayor Jean Stothert have framed the airport as an "economic center for Nebraska" — one that must match the state's growth, according to York News-Times.
Casagrande's Criticism Sparked a Bigger Conversation
When Casagrande's jokes landed, Omaha residents fired back on social media. Many pointed out what locals have always known: Eppley sits just 10 minutes from downtown — a rare advantage most major cities cannot match. The airport may look old, they argued, but it is fast and easy to use, according to North Platte Telegraph.
Still, the episode highlighted a real tension. Some Omaha residents have argued the $950 million should have gone toward building a brand-new airport. The Airport Authority disagrees. They say the downtown location is too valuable to abandon. The full project — including the new North Concourse — is set for completion in 2028, according to Columbus Telegram.
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