Sunday morning wasn’t calm for College Station, a city shaken by a series of bursts. Within seconds the once-iconic western side of Kyle Field went down. In just 8 months a new one will be built.

The most important phase of Kyle Field redevelopment in College Station (70km north-west from Houston) began yesterday. Spectacular implosion of the main western grandstand took down the immense structure within seconds. Torn apart, the stand fell on three sides, not damaging the field which is now awaiting new turf.

The implosion went smoothly, much to the joy of thousands of people gathered in safe distance. After a few hours, as the dust dispersed, rubble clearing preparations began. The time frame is tight, because the new stand, even greater than its predecessor, is expected to open in August, bringing total capacity to 102,500 people!

Reconstruction of Kyle Field was launched in 2013. To date the south stand was built from scratch, while east side received a thorough upgrade with partial roof. Cost of the entire project is expected to reach $450 million.