Metrodome Demolition Reaches Completion Early

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Metrodome is no more.

Project leaders for the new Minnesota Vikings stadium says the demolition of the team's old home was formally completed Thursday. The final remnants were being trucked away a month ahead of schedule.

The building was razed to make way for a nearly $1 billion stadium scheduled to open in 2016. Some construction on that facility began as the Dome came down.

Demolition began after the puffy roof was deflated in January. Officials say it took 4,900 truckloads to haul debris from the site and almost 16,000 man hours to finish the job.

About 80 percent of materials from the torn-down stadium will be recycled, including 80,000 tons of concrete.