How Mccarran Airport Got Its Name Changed

McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021. The airport had been named after Nevada Senator Pat McCarran since 1948, but reports of his history of perpetuating racism, xenophobia and antisemitism led to the Clark County Commission unanimously approving the name change. Harry Reid, a former senator from Nevada, was the longest-serving senator in the state's history and played a key role in the airport's expansion.

McCarran International Airport was renamed after reports of Pat McCarran's racist, antisemitic and xenophobic views surfaced

McCarran International Airport was renamed after reports of Pat McCarran's racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic views surfaced. The airport, serving the Las Vegas Valley, was originally named after the former senator from Nevada due to his reputation as a vocal advocate for the aviation industry. However, in February 2021, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved the name change to Harry Reid International Airport, recognising the longest-serving US senator in Nevada history, Harry Reid.

The decision to rename the airport came after reports of Pat McCarran's history of "perpetuating racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism" began to surface. Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who championed the name change, highlighted McCarran's controversial history and stated that his views were not aligned with the multicultural nature of modern-day Las Vegas.

The original McCarran Field sign at the airport's entrance was retained due to its historical significance, but all other aspects of the airport's branding were changed. The name change was estimated to cost around $7 million, with funding coming entirely from private donations. The process of changing the signage and other airport features is expected to occur in phases as funding is secured.

The new name, Harry Reid International Airport, honours the late senator from Nevada, who served from 1987 to 2017. Reid played a significant role in the airport's development, particularly with the construction of Terminal 3 during the Great Recession. He was also instrumental in securing funding for the airport's air traffic control tower.

The airport was renamed after Harry Reid, a former senator and senate majority leader from Nevada

The Las Vegas airport was originally named after Pat McCarran, a former senator from Nevada who had a history of racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic stances. In February 2021, the Clark County Commission unanimously approved the name change to Harry Reid International Airport, recognising Reid's significant contributions to the state and airport's development.

Reid played a crucial role in securing funding for the airport's expansion projects, including Terminal 3, which houses international flights. During the Great Recession, his efforts in Congress ensured the inclusion of tax reliefs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, allowing the $2.4 billion construction of Terminal 3 to continue as scheduled. He also helped secure funding for the airport's air traffic control tower, the second tallest in the U.S.

The name change to Harry Reid International Airport was officially marked on December 14, 2021, with a ceremony attended by dignitaries and members of Reid's family. The funding for the renaming process was entirely covered by private donations, with no expense to Clark County taxpayers. The airport's social media channels and other digital presences were updated to reflect the new name, and plans were unveiled for new signage and monuments at the airport's main terminal entrance.

The Clark County Commission and Federal Aviation Administration unanimously approved the name change

The name change was proposed to honour Harry Reid, the longest-serving U.S. senator in Nevada history, who served from 1987 to 2017. Reid was instrumental in securing funding for the airport's Terminal 3 and air traffic control tower. He also helped ensure the airport's growth through his work in Congress.

The push to rename the airport was led by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who highlighted former senator Pat McCarran's history of racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic stances. McCarran had previously been recognised for his advocacy for the aviation industry.

The name change was officially marked during a ceremony on December 14, 2021, which was attended by dignitaries, members of the Reid family, and airport officials. The funding for the renaming process was entirely privately raised, with over $4 million collected in donations. The airport's social media channels and website were also updated to reflect the new name.

The new name, Harry Reid International Airport, is a fitting tribute to the senator's contributions to the airport and Nevada, and it recognises the state's appreciation for his work.

The airport's social media accounts and website were changed to reflect the new name

The Las Vegas airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, changed its name to Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021. The airport's social media accounts and website were changed to reflect the new name.

The name change was first visible on the airport's social media channels, with the former name still appearing in various locations as the transition continued. The airport's Facebook page provided updates on the name change, informing travellers that the process would take time and that signage and monuments surrounding the airport would be changed as vendors were identified and bids sought.

The Clark County Commission unanimously approved the name change in February 2021, citing reports of McCarran's history of racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism. The airport had been named after McCarran, a Nevada senator, since 1948 due to his advocacy for the aviation industry.

The new name honours Harry Reid, Nevada's longest-serving senator, who served from 1987 to 2017. Reid was recognised for his contributions to the airport's growth, particularly his efforts during the Great Recession to ensure the completion of Terminal 3, which expanded the airport's international capabilities.

The name change was funded entirely by private donations, with over $4 million raised for the initial phases. The airport code, "LAS," remained unchanged.

The name change was funded by private donations

The Las Vegas airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, changed its name to Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021. The airport was originally named after Pat McCarran, a former senator from Nevada. However, reports of his "history of perpetuating racism, xenophobia and antisemitism" led to the Clark County Commission unanimously approving the name change.

The name change was funded entirely by private donations, with no expense to Clark County taxpayers. By October 2021, the airport had collected $4.2 million in private donations to initiate the project, with prominent donations coming from businessman Stephen Cloobeck, professional gambler Billy Walters and his wife Susan, and Boyd Gaming Executive Chairman Bill Boyd and his wife, Judy. The remainder of the process was estimated to cost $3 million.

The name change was initiated by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, who led a years-long push to highlight McCarran's controversial history. Segerblom previously attempted to get the name change started at the state level during his time as a state senator. The new name honours Harry Reid, the longest-serving senator in Nevada's history, who represented the state in the Senate for three decades.

The process of renaming the airport involved multiple phases, including changing signage, online content, and designations throughout the facility and airport operations. The original McCarran Field sign at the airport's Las Vegas Boulevard entrance was retained due to its historical significance.

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