Note: Check back later for a video recap of today's big event.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes took a major step toward the construction of a new home by starting the demolition of the FMC factory on the site of their proposed new stadium. The team marked the occasion with a demolition event at the site on Thursday afternoon.
“We have been making steady progress on the stadium and today was a big milestone for the organization,” said Earthquakes President David Kaval. “We would like to thank the City of San Jose and Devcon for helping us make today such a tremendous event. We will continue to push forward on this project.”
PHOTO GALLERY: DEMOLITION DAY
The event was attended by Earthquakes Managing Partner Keith Wolff, Earthquakes President David Kaval, General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle, members of the San Jose City Council and other local dignitaries.
The event kicked off with remarks from Kaval, Wolff, San Jose Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen, City Councilmember Sam Liccardo, City Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio and Doyle.
Following their comments, an M2 Bradley, also known as the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), provided by nearby BAE Systems, carried in Earthquakes players Ramiro Corrales, Chris Wondolowski, Ike Opara, Joey Gjertsen and Sam Cronin, along with a Devcon Construction employee, who started the demolition. The Devcon Construction employee then used an excavator to rip down the wall on the north side of the factory. The complete demolition of the building will take approximately 12 weeks.
Along with the dignitaries on hand at the event, hundreds of Earthquakes season ticket holders attended the demolition to be a part of the historic day. All attendees received a foam sledgehammer to commemorate the occasion.
The M2 Bradley, or otherwise known as the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), is designed and manufactured by BAE Systems. The Bradley is designed to transport infantry with armor protection while providing covering fire to suppress enemy troops and armored vehicles. The M2 holds a crew of three: a commander, a gunner and a driver; as well as six fully equipped soldiers.
