RCA Dome roof demolished in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The demolition of the RCA Dome is a bittersweet affair despite the opening of a new and improved NFL stadium, Indianapolis residents say.

Indianapolis resident Crystal Coleman said watching demolition work on the former home of the Indianapolis Colts football team this week was a difficult process, but she found hope in the Colts' new Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indianapolis Star reported Thursday.

"It just feels like a smaller piece of Indianapolis will be no more, but we have a bigger and better stadium to fill that void," the 29-year-old said. "It's kind of hard to believe, though."

Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday to watch the roof of the 24-year-old dome collapse through demolition charges and 35-minutes later, the 257-ton roof was no more.

The Star said the stadium's demolition first began in January and is expected to cost at least $8 million to complete. The final implosion of the stadium's structure is expected to take place in December.