Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to include demolition of apartment towers

GLASGOW, Scotland, April 3 (UPI) -- The Commonwealth Games will open July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland, with a bang, specifically, the demolition of five nearby 30-story apartment towers.

The Olympic-style sports competitions opening ceremony will include the explosive demolition of five of Glasgows six remaining unoccupied Red Road Tower apartments in what organizers call a bold and dramatic statement of intent from a city focused on regeneration and a positive future for its people.

The buildings, once the tallest residential structures in Europe and home to 4,700 people, will fall in 15 seconds after 1,250 kilograms (2,755 pounds) of explosives are detonated, in an event expected to be seen on television by a billion people.

In the televised demolition, Glasgow is proving it is a city that is proud of its history but doesnt stand still, a city that is constantly changing, regenerating, renewing and re-inventing itself, said ceremonies director Eileen Gallagher.

About 900 homes newer the site will be temporarily evacuated during the event.

[Glasgow Daily Record]

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Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to include demolition of apartment towers