INDIANAPOLIS – Another integral component to Indianapolis’ $3 billion in new tourism product is officially open.

On Nov. 12, the $1.1 billion Indianapolis International Airport Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal opened. The facility is the first designed and built post-9/11, with new security features mandated by the FAA and TSA. The terminal touts 40 gates, including international ones, and will be able to handle up to 12 million passengers each year.

The 1.2 million square-foot terminal is the largest LEED-certified building (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in the Midwest.

One special design feature is Civic Plaza, a pre-security 25,000-square-foot space with 100-foot glass windows overlooking the runways and sweeping views of the city skyline. The space is available for meeting planners and offers a unique place for special events and receptions.

More than 50 retailers and restaurants are featured throughout the terminal, including Indianapolis originals such as the Indy 500 Grill and the terminal also offers free Wi-Fi.

The new terminal is expected to save the airlines more than $12 million a year in fuel costs by reducing taxi time. From a convention attendee and visitor perspective, the commute from the airport to downtown and the Indiana Convention Center is 16 minutes, and a new Green Line shuttle service is available for $7.

It is expected that a new 250-room hotel located at the airport will be developed in the next five years.

In addition to the airport, Indianapolis recently opened its new $715 million Lucas Oil Stadium-a multi-use facility with 183,000 square feet of exhibit space and home to the Super Bowl in 2012. The Indiana Convention Center is also in the midst of an expansion, doubling is size and scheduled for completion in 2010.