The OLD making way for the NEW

(AP) IRVING, Texas -- More than 20,000 people gathered at tailgate parties and other spots Sunday to watch fireworks go off one last time over Texas Stadium before a ton of dynamite lit up the Dallas Cowboys' longtime home and brought it to the ground. The building known for the giant hole in its roof - "so God can watch his team," according to local lore - was demolished in a planned implosion set off by the 11-year-old winner of an essay contest.

The Cowboys played 38 seasons in Texas Stadium (below), winning five Super Bowls during that time. The local landmark also was home for the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The team now plays at a stadium in Arlington (above).

"It was much more emotional than I expected," said Pam Seal, a cheerleader in 1975. She decided only Saturday to drive from the suburb of North Mesquite to watch. "I'm so glad that I had my family out there to hold my hand through it. I didn't think I would be that much of a basket case about it. It was like saying goodbye to an old friend."