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Concourse D Opens Today at BNA, First Milestone in $3B Airport Overhaul

Issue #489

July 08, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Weather - Mix of clouds/sun w/ showers this afternoon, high of 90 & low of 71

✈️ Concourse D Opens Today at BNA, First Milestone in $3B Airport Overhaul

📰 Emergency Crews Respond to Fatal Drowning in Duck River

🎙️ TONIGHT: Open Mic Night at The Mulehouse

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Concourse D Opens Today at BNA, First Milestone in $3B Airport Overhaul

The new Concourse D extension at Nashville International Airport®/ BNA®, opens today.

Featuring five new gates, eight new locations to shop, eat and drink, a moving walkway and three original pieces of artwork, the extended concourse culminates in a record node—a rotunda with panoramic views from which travelers can access BNA’s first outdoor terrace, offering views of the airfield and even downtown Nashville. The Concourse D extension is the first project to be completed under New Horizon, the $3 billion growth and renovation plan at BNA.

“The completion of the Concourse D extension—on time and under budget—not only marks a major milestone for the New Horizon program, but it also gives us the space and resources needed to turn our attention to upcoming projects, such as the demolition and reconstruction of Concourse A, the creation of a Central Ramp and improved terminal roadways,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). “The New Horizon projects are essential to enabling BNA’s ability to support 40 million annual passengers in the future.”

There are also three unique, showstopping pieces of artwork on display in the Concourse D extension:

“Twine with my Mingles” by Nashville-based artist Elizabeth Williams of New Hat Projects, a 180-foot-long piece that lines the moving walkway created by loom-style weaving custom-printed wristbands.

“A Thread Without End” by Los Angeles-based artist Benjamin Ball of Ball-Nogues Studios, comprised of 620 stainless steel spheres suspended in the concessions area between gates D7 and D8.

“Our Radiant City” by Nashville-based artist Brenda Stein, encircling the center of the record node featuring depictions of some of Nashville’s most recognizable buildings in shimmering terrazzo, acting as a focal point when passengers enter.

The Concourse D extension features eight new concepts for passengers to eat, drink and shop:

3rd & Broadway: At the heart of Nashville’s entertainment district lies the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Broadway, where everyone comes to soak up the sights, sounds, flavors and experiences that make Nashville a top tourist destination.

Sandella’s Flatbread Café: Signature flatbreads, refreshing juices and artisanal coffees.

New Heights Cantina & Taqueria: Award-winning local New Heights beer complements Mexican cuisine. This concept features a breakfast menu, live music and a Taco Truck for orders on the go.

The Castle: This vibrant restaurant and bar is the perfect spot for soccer fans to enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks and the thrill of Nashville SC action before your flight!

Flytes Virtual Dining Hall: Modernizes airport dining with fresh meals and diverse options.

Daniel X Diamond: Country music’s favorite fashion brand, now offering a variety of rhinestoned products in addition to their signature fringe jackets at BNA.

Nashville Tracks by Hudson: Celebrates the city’s musical legacy and history of producing craft spirits. Travelers can also browse products from local artisans alongside travel essentials, like snacks, beverages, tech needs and books.

Martini: Expertly crafted martinis, savory sandwiches, flatbreads, craft beers and Frothy Monkey Coffee.

The design-build team for the Concourse D extension is Hensel Phelps and Fentress Architects. Construction involved 715 total workers, 79% of whom are local, and approximately 700,000 man hours of work.

For more information about New Horizon, and to see a video with Trace Adkins sharing the details on the new concourse, visit this page.

Emergency Crews Respond to Fatal Drowning in Duck River

Authorities are investigating a tragic drowning incident that occurred Monday afternoon in Maury County.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the Blue Springs recreation area at approximately 4:11 p.m. after receiving reports of a missing toddler, according to the Maury County Fire Department. The child, believed to be around 2 years old, was later discovered in the nearby Duck River and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials from Maury County EMS, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Emergency Management Agency all responded to the call. The child had reportedly been at the site with multiple children and adults when the incident occurred.

Law enforcement has confirmed that the investigation remains active. Further details have not yet been released.

TONIGHT: Open Mic Night at The Mulehouse

Join us for the first OPEN MIC NIGHT here at The Mulehouse with your hosts GARY CHAPMAN & HANNAH MCDONALD!

We want to be the venue to host all of the insanely talented artists and musicians in Columbia and surrounding areas and throughout the Nashville metroplex! We have the most beautiful stage and sound system and we look forward to having you perform! This event will be held every month on the second Tuesday so mark your calendars and we'll look forward to seeing you. Tickets are $7 and open table seating will be available.

Whether you want to perform or just watch the amazing talent, we accept all ages (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). We want to showcase all genres and arrangements, from acoustic to full band. We will have up to three vocal mics, a house drum kit, and three DI's available. We do not currently have a keyboard but can bring your own if needed. Below are the guidelines for submission along with the link to fill out and submit.

We are looking for variety of music for each show, so do not be discouraged if you are not chosen. This is a monthly event and you can submit each and every month. This also gives everyone the opportunity to send in new performance links for the team to view.

Each act will get a total of two songs with a maximum total performance time of 8 minutes.

We encourage you to get the word out and ask your friends and family to purchase their tickets to support you and support live music and local talent in Columbia!

If you are chosen, you will receive an email with your arrival time and performance time. Below is the link for submission. Good luck, and thank you for supporting our new series!

6:00pm – Doors open
6:30pm – First act performs
9:30pm – Evening concludes

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, July 8th

Wednesday, July 9th

Thursday, July 10th

Friday, July 11th

Saturday, July 12th

More Events Coming Soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 8th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 9th

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 10th

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM

Friday, July 11th

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 PM
Open Mic, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Late Bloomers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM 
Escape, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, July 12th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Box of Rocks, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Neil Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 PM
Brothers Revolt, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
66 Strikes, The Boondox, 8:00 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Black Hole Suns, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, July 13th

Don Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
DNR, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 2:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Vince & Brett, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM

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