Demolition of University of Houston's Robertson Stadium Begins

Photo by Kristine Kelly-TexSport Publications

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 10, 2012) With the touch of a button and a pull of a lever, the “official” demolition of Robertson Stadium began today on the campus of the University of Houston.

University dignitaries, members of the media, students and alumni were in attendance to see longtime Houston supporter Joe Chastang climb into the cab of a hydraulic excavator and begin the demolition of the southeast concession stand and restrooms.

Chastang earned the right to begin the demolition by having the high bid in an auction at the university’s “Hall of Honor” Gala in November.

Following his time in the excavator, he made the following statement to the press:

“I was sitting (at the gala banquet) and had a little bit to drink. I didn’t think my wife would want me to bid on it. But when it came up she nudged me and said ‘Aren’t you going to bid?’ I said, ‘Heck yeah, I’m going to bid on it.’ It was worth the money to be able to do.”

Chastang was not the only person who helped bring down “The Rob” on the cold Monday morning.

University president Renu Khator also climbed into the excavator and took her swings at the iconic stadium.

The demolition of the entire stadium complex should take about four to six weeks with the groundbreaking for the construction of the new stadium slated for early February.