PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Demolition on the Civic Arena could start as early as Monday.

People opposed to the demolition have been trying to keep the decades-old building from being torn down; but word that the dismantling process could soon begin has so many people now looking back at their fond memories of the building.

For so many Pittsburghers, the Civic Arena will always be more than just a brief snapshot in Steel City history – for them, its legacy will be lasting.

“With the arena scheduled to be… you know, start demolished tomorrow, we figured this would be a nice time to get a Christmas card for everybody to see,” said Bill Jeffcoat, of Penn Hills.

The Jeffcoats were among the dozens this weekend documenting the countdown to demolition. Crews are expected to be on site Monday morning.

Petitions, appeals and even emergency motions just can’t stop the wrecking ball.

“We knew our legal case was a long shot, but we were hoping it would come through, and obviously it didn’t,” said Scott Leib, the president of Preservation Pittsburgh.

Preservation Pittsburgh spent four years trying to save the 50-year-old building and its famous retractable dome, which many had hoped to see in motion one last time.

“Rather than valuing this amazing work of modern architecture from the 1960’s and incorporating it into something new and exciting for Pittsburgh, the idea is to let’s have a clean slate, let’s demolish it and start over yet again,” said Leib.

So, in advance of the heavy machinery, locals are making some last-minute memories.

“The Igloo will always be a part of Pittsburgh history, it will always be a part of my history,” added Suzie Jeffcoat, of Penn Hills. “I will never forget it, but the Penguins deserve the beautiful new arena they have, and I look forward to seeing them play there for years to come.”

RELATED LINKS:
Preservation Pittsburgh
Appeals Court Strikes Down Arena Preservationists
Preservationists Launch Last-Ditch Effort To Save Civic Arena
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