The RCA Dome is gone, falling to the forces of a controlled implosion a few minutes ago.I'd been there several times for trade shows, but otherwise I had no particular connection to the place. My wife and our spawns are a different story.
In a previous life, Indianapolis was home. The RCA Dome was their destination for Colts games, pep rallies, monster-truck shows and the circus. As my wife recalled through misty eyes this morning, the kids would crane their necks for a glimpse of the big white pillow against the skyline, vying for the claim of who spotted it first.
Lucas Oil Stadium now has taken its place, practically speaking, and in many ways it's probably a superior facility. I understand, however, the sadness felt right now by anyone who holds fond memories of good times in the 'Dome.What strikes me about today's demolition is that the RCA Dome opened just 24 years ago. Ohio Stadium, built in 1922, was renovated when it was outgrown, and at least Yankee Stadium has had a long (85 years) and full life.
The RCA Dome, which led the renaissance of Indy's downtown, went from showpiece to obsolescence in less than a generation.
There's something just plain wrong about that.
