Late Sunday night, the implosion of the Houston Astrodome began, marking phase one of the end of its 35-year life. The Astrodome was a victim of a failed proposal to turn it into a retail and exhibition space in November.

The first blasts demolished the circular ramp towers that circled the building. According to TV station KHOU, the demolition of the towers “had to be done, regardless of what happens next.” The Astrodome is also undergoing asbestos clearing.