Former US President Donald Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey was demolished on Wednesday amid cheers from a crowd. The casino which opened in 1984 during a decade of excess for Trump and other kings of capitalism, was reduced to rubble in 20 seconds by 3,000 sticks of dynamite. At about 9 a.m., a series of controlled explosions were heard before the 39-story building imploded on itself.
According to reports, the whole process unfolded in less than 30 seconds, from start to finish.
The Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino was the most successful casino in Atlantic City, The Associated Press reported. But by the time it closed its doors in 2014, it was the poorest-performing casino in town.
The plaza was purchased by billionaire Carl Icahn in 2016. He also purchased the Trump Taj Mahal, which he later sold to Hard Rock Café International, NPR previously reported.
The Plaza was the first of 3 casinos Trump owned in A.C., and was the site of some marquee boxing matches and other big events after it opened in 1984. All 3 casinos eventually went bankrupt and Trump left town.
Controlled demolition for Trump Plaza was originally scheduled for January, 29. The cityhad planned to auction off the chance to blow the building up to the highest bidder, pressing the button from anywhere in the world or on scene. Neither came to pass — the demolition was delayed and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was kiboshed by Icahn.
There were cheers from a viewing party of people who had paid $10 to watch from their cars.