March 26, 2024

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Sunrise 7:24 a.m. | Sunset 7:45 p.m.
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Golden airport anniversary

Over 40,000 visitors showed up for the dedication of Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport on Sept. 23, 1973. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries/Ron Heflin

This year marks the 50th anniversary of a North Texas staple — that’s right, we’re talking about DFW Airport. The largest airport in the world at its opening in 1974, the transportation hub now sees an estimated 80 million travelers annually. Let’s dive into the major milestones and world records over the last half-century that solidified DFW Airport as one of the best.

1970s

Opened on January 13, 1974 as Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Airport, the hub was a compromise between the rivaled Greater Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas’ Love Field. When it was completed in 1973, the 11-sided Control Tower #1 was the tallest in the world, measuring 196 ft.

FTW-juxtapose-gif-aerial — Sporting four terminals, three runways, and 56 gates, DFW Airport welcomed its first commercial flight AA #341 exactly on time.
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Photos courtesy of UTA Libraries/DFW Airport

1980s

In 1985, the airport was renamed the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport + the fourth, fifth, and sixth runways were added between 1983 and 1986. In 1989, DFW became the first commercial airport to host a space shuttle landing.

1990s

Just before the turn of the century, DFW Airport welcomed low-cost carrier services, bumping the airport to the world’s second busiest. In 1994, two new control towers were built + in 1997, it became the only airport in the world to have seven runways.

FTW-dfw-airport-skylink-gif — The elevated inter-terminal railway Skylink was the world’s largest automated people mover guideway of its kind.
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Photos courtesy of UTA Libraries/@dfwairport

2000s

Terminal D opened in 2005, marking the airport’s largest single expansion with three runway extensions and Skylink.

2010s

In the last decade, the airport had a record international expansion, reaching 46 international markets with non-stop service. In 2011, the Airports Council International named it the “Best Large Airport in North America,” a position it still holds today.

2020s

Today, travelers can fly non-stop to 193 domestic and 67 international destinations + the airport produces $37 billion in economic impact for the region. Work is underway for the first 15 gates of Terminal F, which are set to open in 2026.

Peak into the past

Asked

How many feet of runway does DFW Airport have across its seven runways?

When it opened in 1974, DFW Airport was the world’s largest airport by land area. It is now the third largest at 26.9 square miles. See how well you know DFW Airport by the numbers with this one-minute quiz.

A. 73,300 ft
B. 80,400 ft
C. 92,600 ft

Test your knowledge

Events

Tuesday, March 26

“Soldaderas to Amazonas: Escaramuzas Charras” | Tuesday, March 26-Saturday, Nov. 9 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth | $6-$12 | Explore the relationship between Mexican Revolution soldaderas and escaramuza charra, an eight-equestrian team that gallops in intricate patterns, in this new exhibit.

Wednesday, March 27

Matt Axton and Badmoon | Wednesday, March 27 | 8:30-11 p.m. | Ridglea Lounge, 6025 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | $12-$15 | The California singer-songwriter is known for his “mountain soul rock ‘n’ roll” style, driven by classic guitar and modern twists.

Thursday, March 28

Texas Rangers | Thursday, March 28 | 6:35 p.m. | Globe Life Field, 734 Stadium Dr., Arlington | $134-$1,365 | Grab tickets to see the World Series Champions open the season against the Chicago Cubs.
Disney On Ice | Thursday, March 28-Sunday, March 31 | Dickies Arena, 1911 Montgomery St., Fort Worth | $27-$292 | Witness “Magic in the Stars” with scenes and songs from “Disney’s Wish” performed on skates.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Shop

Level up your wardrobe with this handmade boot

Shop his and hers boots online or in store. | Photo by @raicesplants

We’ve got a few more months before summer officially rolls around — though if you’re anything like us, you’re already soaking in the warmer weather.

Now’s the time to be planning for that wardrobe refresh. On our shopping list? Tecovas: the Austin-based retailer offering handmade Western boots, apparel, and accessories.

From cowboy boots to outerwear, you’re sure to find your new go-to outfit essential in store or online. Psst: Read about the ~200 step process to craft a single boot.^

^This content is created by our Client Success Team. Learn how we can create engaging campaigns promoting your brand, or purchase a-la-carte advertising.

These boots are made for walkin’

News Notes

Closing

New Orleans-style brewery Neutral Ground Brewing Co. will pour its last beer on Friday, March 29. The brewery just celebrated three years on Race Street, but it is closing due to “a culmination of bad timing and changing market conditions.” (CultureMap Fort Worth)

Announced

Longtime US Rep. Kay Granger will step down as the House Appropriations chair to allow the new chair to transition into the role before the next round of spending bills. The Fort Worth representative is retiring at the end of the year after 14 terms in Congress. (WFAA)

Transit

Trinity Metro is considering eliminating The Dash service in the Cultural District due to low ridership. The board of directors is considering limiting the six all-electric buses to downtown around Fort Worth Central Station, as a replacement for Molly the Trolley. (Fort Worth Report)

Shop

New York City-based lifestyle branch LoveShackFancy will host a pop-up shop at the Shops at Clearfork now through Saturday, March 30. Stop by for spring dresses in a variety of floral prints, seasonal fragrances + all the accessories you could want.

Watch

Guess who’s coming to Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media? In a new strategic partnership, television personality Steve Harvey is set to co-executive produce a documentary-style special airing this fall. The Fort Worth-based network also acquired 300+ episodes of daytime talk show “Steve.”

Sports

The Baylor women’s basketball team has clinched a spot in the third round of the NCAA tournament. Hear a recap of their victory over Virginia Tech from the local experts of the Baylor Bears with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Learn

Whether you’re looking to restore that vintage vehicle in your garage or assemble a modern masterpiece from the ground up, the pros at House of Hotrods can build a ride that will make a lasting first impression. Learn more about this award-winning shop — and if you can dream it, they can do it.*

Fun Fact

Share certificate rates are the highest they’ve been in years. What does that mean for Fort Worthians? It’s the perfect time to look into this option if they want to stash a little more cash in the bank. Learn more from United Texas Credit Union.*

Eat

And the winner is...

Heim Barbecue was voted the best barbecue in Fort Worth by our readers. | Graphic by 6AM City

It was a close race, but raking in 550 votes in the final round, Heim Barbecue was voted best barbecue in Cowtown by our readers and social media followers in our FTWtoday barbecue bracket.

Heim is a mom-and-pop shop that prides itself on “farm-to-smoker” ingredients. Started by couple Travis and Emma Heim, the concept began as a food truck and grew to four permanent locations around the greater Fort Worth area.

The founders recently passed operations over to their business partner Will Churchill. Stop by for prime brisket, bacon burnt ends, twice baked potatoes, and green chile mac n’ cheese.

We want to extend a major “thank you” to all of you for participating in our bracket challenge the past few weeks. We’ve had a blast seeing how the votes shook out, and we hope you did too.

Looking for more barbecue around town? Check out our brisket guide.

The Buy

The Avryn & Co. wristlet sets. Bop around with all of your essentials and look stylish doing it.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Kate

From the editor

Answer: Started with only three runways in 1974, DFW Airport now has seven, totaling 80,400 ft of runway. That’s the second most runways in the world. Chicago O’Hare International Airport has eight runways, but a total distance of only 76,880 ft.

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