Cinergy Field might go out with a big bang — make that a series of big bangs — rather than a whimper. Construction managers are considering sending Cinergy Field down in a heap by implosion, rather than taking it apart piece by piece with a wrecking ball.

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The Great American Ball Park is rising between Cinergy Field and the Firstar Center. (Glenn Hartong photo) 600 | 800 | 1024

        Project Manager Arnie Rosenberg said Friday his team has been convinced by O'Rourke Construction that the stadium could be imploded without putting at risk Great American Ball Park being built next door.

        “Early on we discounted implosion because, at the time of the bid, there wasn't time for research and to do the background data. So we took it off the table,” Mr. Rosenberg said. “A year- and-a-half later, there could be financial benefit to getting things cleared away more quickly.”

        Specifically, a portion of the parking garage that will serve as a pedestal for the nearby National Underground Railroad Freedom Center can't be built until Cinergy is out of the way. Implosion would allow that to happen more quickly.

        Demolishing Cinergy Field is a $4.5 million effort. Implosion might add $500,000 to the contract.

        Mike Sieving, construction executive for Hamilton County, which owns the stadium, said the concrete parking garage under Cinergy Field would serve as a buffer between the explosion and the new stadium.

        Mr. Sieving said there are several issues to resolve before they break out the dynamite; chiefly, securing city permits and meeting with public officials to convince them it can be done safely.

        Implosion offers safety advantages as well as offering a speedier way to get rid of Cinergy Field, which was opened in 1970, he said.

        “Certainly, there wouldn't be as many contractors on high steel, disassembling an unstable structure with cranes,” Mr. Sieving said.

        A final decision on how to tear down Cinergy will be made in the next two months. The demolition would start after the 2002 base ball season. If implosion is the preferred method, it would likely happen in December and is sure to become a huge spectacle.

        Mr. Sieving went to Indianapolis last year for the implosion of Market Square Arena. He said the building was gutted of light fixtures, drywall and plaster. Then slices were cut in the building to allow contractors to control how it fell.

        “You really need two charges on columns, one to cut the column and another to kick the (falling material) sideways so the structural integrity is broken.”

        The last big bang in Cincinnati was Sander Hall, a 27-story University of Cincinnati dormitory, which was imploded in June of 1991.

        Hamilton County Commissioner Tom Neyer — a developer by trade whose company has done many demolitions, but none with dynamite — said implosion makes sense in many cases.

        “I guess what Johnny Bench and George Foster couldn't do, Mike O'Rourke can,” he said, referring to the owner of the demolition company. “Certainly, it will be a more interesting show.”

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Cinergy Field may be imploded

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