The Cincinnati Enquirer

The 37-second implosion of Cinergy Field provided a memory that will last a lifetime for the thousands who crowded the Ohio River shoreline this morning to watch the "big boom."

Thousands lined the streets and plaza outside Paul Brown Stadium to view the event. (Jeff Tindall photo) | ZOOM |

Here's what observers said minutes after the thunderous demolition:

Hamilton County Commissioner Tom Neyer Jr.: "I'm stunned. My heart was racing more than it has since I was 8 years old and I sat in that place and watched Johnny Bench hit a home run out of there. It was just astounding."

Marc Holland, Columbus: "You see stuff like this on TV, but you don't get an appreciation until you see it in person (and) feel the ground rumble under your feet. It was worth the trip."

David Herriman, Covington: "Wow, that was impressive. I thought it was going to be one big boom. I loved the way the charges circled the thing. I've been looking at the same thing for 18 years. This is going to take some getting used to."

Bob Brockman, North Avondale: "I liked all the bangs. It was the perfect build-up. And then, over so quick."

Eric Reifenberger, Springdale: "I played pee-wee football there a long time ago as a kid. That's probably my best memory as a kid. I was impressed at how it didn't damage anything around it. This will go down in history. I have enough history going to the stadium to be here. But it's time for something new. It's nothing to be sad over, I don't think."

Ben Camp, Avondale: "It's just a big waste of money if you ask me. They could have used that stadium for high school playoff games. I think it's a shame they tore it down."

Jonathan Rodgers, Lexington, Ky.: "It was pretty exciting although it would have been a nice touch if they would have had some fireworks or played some rock music along with the implosion. I just wanted it to be loud and it was. It was well worth the drive."

Ian McIntosh, Anderson Township: "It was pretty cool to watch. Not as loud as I expected. (It was) very dusty, though. I'm surprised that there weren't a lot more people downtown."

Neil Hollingsworth, Fort Thomas: "It doesn't look as cluttered. I think they should have taken out U.S. Bank Arena while they were at it and just had the two new stadiums down there."

SEE CINERGY IMPLOSION
Animation from Enquirer photos
Video from WCPO
Galleries: Implosion | Crowd | Aerial shots | Views from Kentucky

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