Orlando Spends $2M To Tear Down Amway Arena

The city of Orlando is spending $2 million to demolish the old Amway Arena.

WFTV found out it could have been imploded, but a massive storm water pipe is in the way. The city says crews won't be able to implode the building because the 108-inch storm water pipe lies beneath the 22-year-old building.

Once the arena is down, 50 percent of the pieces and parts will be recycled.

An expert said an implosion would be easier.

“Thing about an implosion instead of chopping on this building for four or five months - we can prep it within about three, drop it and have it gone within 30 to 60 days,” said Rich Lorenz, of Central Environmental Services, Inc.

The area around the arena will be turned into a creative village, featuring high-tech companies and branch campuses for several colleges.

Next week, the city council is expected to approve a demolition agreement.

Crews will start to tear it apart piece by piece before the end of the year.