Pontiac Silverdome demolition begins Sunday: How to watch, parking, what to know

PONTIAC, Mich. – The initial series of explosions at the Pontiac Silverdome is set for Sunday, Dec. 3. 

The first explosions are scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. It will break the metal beams that are used to keep the roof inflated at the perimeter of the stadium, according to a release on the event.

You can watch the Pontiac Silverdome implosion right here on ClickOnDetroit.com.

Demolition of Pontiac Silverdome set to begin Dec. 3 with partial implosion

Public viewing and parking for the initial explosions will be available in the Water Resources Commission parking lot, which is located at the Southwest corner of North Opdyke Rd and South of M-59. The release on the event says all vehicles must be parked in the lot by 8:15 a.m.

If you plan to attend the Sunday's explosions, you are encouraged to arrive early.

Related: Uniquely Detroit: What remains of the Pontiac Silverdome

The scheduled blast will break the metal beams that support the upper ring of the stadium; a 20-foot steel band that supported the equipment that was used to keep the roof inflated.  Each vertical beam surrounding the Silverdome will house a small charge, which upon detonation; will cause the beams to brake and the steel ring to fall to the ground.

The remainder of the demolition process will be handled through the use of hydraulic excavators and will be completed in sections. 1,700 tons of structural steel and 1,800 tons of rebar will be recycled at the Ferrous Processing plant within the City, keeping seven workers busy for at least six months, though it will take approximately one year to complete the full demolition of the structure.

History of the Pontiac Silverdome

The Pontiac Silverdome was the former home of the Detroit Lions (1975-2001), the Detroit Pistons (1978-1988) and the North American Soccer League's Detroit Express (1978-1980).

During its time in operation the venue also hosted the NCAA Cherry Bowl (1984-85), WrestleMania III (1987) and a Led Zepplin rock concert (1977).

Related: Detroit's history with new sports teams

The stadium also hosted a record crowd of nearly 93,000 in September 1987, when a mass was celebrated by Pope John Paul II.

Local 4's Jamie Edmonds spoke with several stars at the 

Here's the interview with Director Julie Rittbass and Editor Mahabazzy:

Here's the interview with Privlege Williams, who wrote a song called "Pen Therapy."

Here's the interview with Darren McCarty:

Here's the interview with Calvin Johnson:

Here is the interview with John Salley: