OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Demolition has begun on a 62-year-old auditorium in Omaha that has been the scene of political rallies, graduation ceremonies, concerts and sporting events.

Crews began tearing down the Civic Auditorium on Tuesday morning.

The Omaha City Council approved a $3.1 million contract with Illinois-based DeNovo Constructors Inc. in February to demolish the building.

The project was stalled in March after the contractor encountered financial issues. The city ended the contract and made a claim to the bonding company.

The company that holds the bond then chose St. Louis-based Spirtas Wrecking Co. to perform the demolition.

Omaha’s Parks and Recreation director, Brook Bench, says the building is expected to be completely demolished around the end of the year and that Spirtas will finish grading the ground in the spring.