RCA Dome's roof coming down on Sept. 24

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - After nearly 25 years aloft, the RCA Dome's roof will soon be coming down.

Officials announced Friday that Sept. 24 has been set as the date for when the 16 large fans that keep the roof inflated will be turned off. Once that happens, the fabric roof will sink into the stadium within 30 to 45 minutes.

A ceremony will feature former Mayor Bill Hudnut - during whose administration the stadium was built - flipping the switch that turns off the fans. The roof will be cut into pieces and sold as memorabilia.

The dome opened in 1984. It was the Indianapolis Colts' home until August, when the new Lucas Oil Stadium opened nearby.

Once the roof is gone, demolition work will accelerate with an implosion of the dome planned for December.

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