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Life-size Dierks Bentley hologram to greet travelers at Louisville airport

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 16:35 GMT by WLKY
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Louisville International Airport Welcomes a Life‑Size Dierks Bentley Hologram

The quiet hum of aircraft engines and the distant chatter of travelers have taken on a new, electrifying edge at Louisville International Airport (SDF) this week. In a move that blends cutting‑edge technology with regional pride, the airport’s main concourse now hosts a life‑size hologram of country music icon Dierks Bentley, projected in front of departing and arriving passengers as a high‑definition, three‑dimensional performance.

The installation was unveiled during a short ceremony on October 17, with the airport’s chief executive officer, Jane McDonald, and local tourism board president, Tom Collins, in attendance. “Louisville has always been a crossroads of culture and commerce, and today we’re adding a new, vibrant layer to that legacy,” McDonald said. “We’re thrilled to partner with Dierks and the technology team that has turned a beloved artist into a floating, full‑body presence that our travelers can experience in real time.”

A Technological Marvel

The holographic display is the product of AeroHoloTech, a Kentucky‑based startup that specializes in 3D projection and motion‑sensing systems. According to the company’s spokesperson, Maya Patel, the hologram is not a simple “screen” but an immersive projection that uses a combination of laser‑based depth‑mapping and real‑time motion capture data to create a realistic, full‑body representation of Bentley.

Patel explained that the system employs a “virtual stage” that can be interacted with by the audience. “When you walk past the display, sensors detect your position and the hologram adjusts its lighting and angles accordingly, giving the illusion of a live performance,” she said. The effect has been compared to the famed “Michael Jackson” hologram at the 2018 Coachella festival, but with the added benefit of a physical, life‑sized presence that sits about ten feet tall.

The installation is housed behind a high‑definition screen that spans the length of the arrivals hall, with a subtle LED light grid that frames the hologram and adds depth to the projected image. The system is powered by a 12‑hour battery backup, ensuring that the performance can run even during power outages. AeroHoloTech will remain on standby to perform periodic calibrations, guaranteeing the hologram’s fidelity and safety.

Why Dierks Bentley?

The choice of Dierks Bentley—who was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and has long been an ambassador for the state’s music scene—was no accident. According to the airport’s marketing department, Bentley’s connection to Kentucky is a powerful draw for both local and international travelers. The singer has also performed at the airport’s “Airplane Stage” on several occasions, most notably in 2019 for the Kentucky Derby Festival.

“Dierks has a real heart for Kentucky,” said Lily Thompson, director of regional attractions for the airport. “He’s not only a national star; he’s a local hero. By bringing him to the airport in a hologram, we’re merging his music with the everyday journeys of our passengers.”

Bentley himself expressed enthusiasm for the project in a short video clip that was played on the airport’s digital signage during the unveiling. “It’s amazing to be able to reach people in a way that’s so visual and immersive,” he said. “I can’t wait for travelers to experience this and maybe feel a little more connected to home.”

Traveler Response

The response from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive. At the time of the launch, the concourse was filled with a mix of business travelers, families, and tourists—all of whom lined up to catch a glimpse of the hologram. The performance, set to a mix of Bentley’s recent hits “One Thing” and “The Way I Love You,” was accompanied by a subtle fan‑shaking effect and the occasional burst of light, creating a dynamic atmosphere that drew in crowds.

Within hours of the first show, the airport’s social media channels were flooded with images and short videos from passengers who captured the hologram on their phones. The hashtag #BentleyAtSDF quickly trended locally, with users sharing their awe and enthusiasm. “This is a game changer,” posted one traveler. “I’ve never seen anything like this at an airport before. It’s like the planes are talking.”

Partnerships and Funding

The installation cost was reported at $250,000, a figure that was covered in part by a grant from the Kentucky Office of Tourism and a sponsorship deal with Hendrix Airlines, the airline with the largest hub at SDF. The partnership underscores the airport’s broader strategy to enhance the traveler experience through technology and cultural attractions.

The hologram is slated to run through the end of the year—with a scheduled maintenance check in November. After that, the airport is exploring possibilities for a permanent or semi‑permanent installation that could feature other local musicians or even interactive art exhibits.

Looking Ahead

The Dierks Bentley hologram is more than a novelty; it signals a shift in how airports are evolving into hubs of cultural engagement rather than mere transit points. By blending entertainment, technology, and local heritage, Louisville International Airport has turned a waiting area into a destination in its own right.

For travelers heading in or out of Louisville, the hologram offers a taste of the city’s rich musical legacy, while the airport’s management team hopes that the buzz surrounding the installation will boost passenger satisfaction and attract additional investment.

As travelers continue to stream the hologram on their phones, the airport’s digital signage will keep replaying the clip of the star on a virtual stage, reminding everyone that even in the midst of flights and luggage, there’s room for a little bit of music—and a whole lot of innovation.