Crews Implode Historic Hollywood Park Racetrack Grandstand For New Project

INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — It took under 30 seconds to reduce over 75 years of history to rubble early Sunday when the grandstand at shuttered Hollywood Park Racetrack was imploded in anticipation of constructing a new multi-use structure.

Multiple explosions occurred shortly before 6 a.m. at the Racetrack, which was once frequented by Hollywood's elite and played host to storied jockeys, including Willie Shoemaker and Laffit Pincay Jr., along with Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew.

The racetrack, which was 298-acres, closed down after its final race in December 2013. It originally opened on June 10, 1938, closing only from 1942 to 1944 during World War II.

With the cleared grandstand, development will continue on the mixed-use community, which will include 4-million-square-feet of space, comprised of retail, office, hotel, entertainment, park and open-space uses.

The early demolition time on Sunday morning was chosen to minimize disruption in nearby neighborhoods, according to developers.

Many residents, however, still took to social media to discuss the noise, as well as the demise of a local piece of history.

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