“I want to see something go boom and then see the debris fly everywhere,” said Reuben Ramirez.

“I hope it just crumbles and falls,” said Blinn College student Nefare Johnson.

“We haven't been to sleep yet, we've been waiting for this moment all night,” said Will Burks.

Expectations were high Thursday morning as University Drive filled with those who’ve witnessed the rise of the Plaza Hotel 32 years ago – including many others who are more than ready to witness its fall.

“I’ve seen the Plaza Hotel which used to be the University Tower, and it’s kind of been an eye sore in the community since I was in college,” said Dennis Macha. “But I’m just thrilled the kids could come out and see this.”

“We just wanted to come out here and see a once in a lifetime event," said Dennis Macha. “It’s just something fun to come out and do, and really a great physics lesson about gravity and the forces of explosion.”

In seven seconds, the 17 story building transformed into a 40 foot high pile of debris.

“I've never witnessed anything like this before,” said College Station resident Ramirez. “The Plaza has been here for as long as I can remember.”

“It scared me,” said Autumn Macha. “This was the best ever!”