Gibson Amphitheater demolished for Wizarding World of Harry Potter

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The Gibson Amphitheater was demolished to pave the way for construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood, Zap2it.com said.

"Down it goes," an unidentified Universal employee tweeted Tuesday, alongside a photo of the theater coming down. "Universal/Gibson Amphitheater hits the dirt; making way for #WizardingWorldOfHarryPotter!"

The theater -- which was the home of concerts, movie premieres and awards shows for more than 40 years -- closed this month, so the theme-park attraction could be built on the location.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, featuring rides and stores inspired by the iconic books and movies, is to open in 2015, Zap2it.com said.

The attraction was a huge hit when it opened at Florida's Universal Studios Orlando in 2010.