LAX Unveils Preview of New Tom Bradley International Terminal

The terminal's Great Hall, which will feature more than 60 retailers and restaurants, is nearing completion, as are 18 new boarding gates, nine of which are designed to accommodate a new generation of super jumbos.

Some of the highlights on display Thursday were some of the 31 new eateries opening up at the Great Hall, including ink.sack, Border Grill, Umami Burger, 800 Degrees and Larder at Tavern, along with 50,000-square-feet of retail space featuring shops such as Fred Segal and Kitson.

Officials at the day's event discussed how Los Angeles World Airports, the city agency that runs the airport; Curtis Fentress, the project's architect; and contractors Walsh Austin Joint Venture designed the terminal, whose renovation is part of the $4.1 billion LAX Capital Improvements Program -- the largest public works project in the city's history.

The day will be capped off with a preview gala featuring red carpet arrivals and the premiere of a 72-foot-tall digital time tower. The gala will feature the debut of an original symphonic overture by the 70-piece Hollywood Scoring Orchestra. The piece was composed by Emmanuel Fratianni and Laurie Robinson and showcases the International Children' Choir, percussionists and soloists. Grammy Award-winner David Foster will also perform with special guests.

Television and radio personality Leeza Gibbons will serve as the night's master of ceremonies.

The bust of former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley will be re-dedicated prior to this Saturday's open house at the Bradley Terminal. 

"The Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX is the first and last impression nine million travelers have of Los Angeles every year," said Villaraigosa.  "This new terminal enhances passenger safety and security, while giving travelers the first-class airport experience they expect from a world-class city like Los Angeles."