Tallahassee Airport Renamed to Honor Legendary Florida State Coach

The city's airport will now bear the name of the Seminoles' iconic football leader.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:14am

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A cubist, geometric painting in the colors of the Florida State Seminoles, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the Tallahassee airport terminal and runway in an abstract, deconstructed style.The renaming of Tallahassee's airport honors the enduring legacy of legendary Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden.Tallahassee Today

The Tallahassee Regional Airport has been officially renamed the Bobby Bowden International Airport, honoring the legendary Florida State University football coach who led the Seminoles to two national championships and 12 ACC titles during his 34-year tenure.

Why it matters

Bobby Bowden is considered one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, transforming Florida State into a national powerhouse and establishing Tallahassee as a hub for Seminoles pride. Renaming the city's airport after him is a fitting tribute that will cement his legacy and continue to inspire future generations of Florida State athletes and fans.

The details

The Tallahassee City Commission unanimously voted to rename the airport in recognition of Bowden's unparalleled contributions to the university and the local community. Bowden, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 91, coached the Seminoles from 1976 to 2009 and is the second-winningest coach in major college football history with 377 career victories.

  • The Tallahassee Regional Airport was officially renamed the Bobby Bowden International Airport on April 15, 2026.

The players

Bobby Bowden

A legendary college football coach who led the Florida State Seminoles to two national championships and 12 ACC titles during his 34-year tenure from 1976 to 2009.

Tallahassee City Commission

The governing body of Tallahassee, Florida that unanimously voted to rename the city's airport after legendary Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Bowden's legacy extends far beyond the football field. He was a pillar of our community who inspired generations of Seminoles and left an indelible mark on the city of Tallahassee.”

— John Dailey, Mayor of Tallahassee

What’s next

The airport's new signage and branding featuring the Bobby Bowden name is expected to be unveiled in a special ceremony later this year.

The takeaway

The renaming of Tallahassee's airport is a fitting and lasting tribute to one of the most iconic figures in Florida State and college football history, cementing Bobby Bowden's enduring legacy and impact on the university and local community.