By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Cinergy Field will be imploded at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, Hamilton County commissioners decided Monday. Cinergy will come down in about 37 seconds, O'Rourke Wrecking Co. president Mike O'Rourke said, with the resulting dust cloud dissipating in about 15 minutes.

Viewing areas will be set up north of Third Street.

"I saw the Sanders Hall implosion in '91," said Commissioner John Dowlin, referring to the former high-rise dormitory at the University of Cincinnati. "It's just exciting to me."

Organizers are considering whether to allow charities to auction off the rights to activate the detonation.

Dowlin noted that the United Way recently fell short of its fund-raising goal and could be among the charities to benefit.

O'Rourke Wrecking had recommended implosion. It is considered cheaper, quicker and safer than using a wrecking ball. Reliability was also a factor in the decision.

"I think there's some excitement" to see the implosion, said Commissioner Todd Portune. "The thing that has me most excited is, in contrast to most other public projects, knock on wood, this one has been both on time and under budget.

"When's the last time you can say that about a government project?"

Next up in the razing preparations: Mehring Way, behind the stadiums along the Ohio River, will close Nov. 18 to mid-February.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com