The oft-delayed implosion of the six-level steel and concrete structure has been scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 20. Crews are getting ready by trucking in 15,000 rented tires to absorb the impact and expanding structures that will protect underground utilities.

"It's been a fantastic challenge to sort all the issues out and coordinate the whole process," said civil engineer Greg Paquin, project executive for Stamford Wrecking, which is overseeing the project.

Demolition Dynamics of Franklin, Tenn., will conduct the actual implosion, which was supposed to happen in September 2005.

It was delayed, however, by concerns about protecting sensitive utility lines.

Those concerns added $1.8 million to the cost of the project.

Part of the building has already been dismantled and there is no interior stone, meaning the implosion should not create much dust.

The implosion will leave 50-foot piles of rubble. Within a few months, the rubble will be cleared and the area will be paved as a temporary parking lot.

"It will sort of fall like a pancake," said city Deputy Economic Development Administrator Tony Bialecki.

Streets around the coliseum will be closed just before the implosion. Traffic at the Interstate 95/91 interchange will be stopped so drivers aren't startled by the noise and vibrations.

The city is scheduled to announce details about viewing sites and parties soon.

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