Now we know how long it takes for a stadium to literally start falling apart — 78 years, if it's not really used or maintained for the last 10.

And that's why the city of Akron announced plans for the emergency demolition of the city's iconic Rubber Bowl, beginning the week of June 11.

"In recent years, the Rubber Bowl has fallen into significant disrepair, and the structure now poses an immediate safety risk to the public and surrounding properties," the city said in announcing the plans.

It won't all come down at once though. The city only has the immediate funds to address what it says is the most dangerous section of the stadium, which includes the portion of the structure that abuts the Soap Box Derby's Derby Downs race track, as well as the Rubber Bowl's scoreboard.

"The deteriorating structure could pose a hazard to Derby-goers," the city said. "Until funds can be gathered to complete the demolition, the City will leave the section abutting George Washington Boulevard intact, preventing any disruption to the roadway. Crushing of material will not take place on site," it added.

The city reports the partial demolition is estimated to cost $200,000 and will be funded through $100,000 in capital improvement funds through the state of Ohio, $50,000 in grant funds from the Summit County Land Bank and $50,000 in capital funding from the city of Akron.

The city also said the work will be performed by Eslich Wrecking, which submitted the lowest and best quote for the demolition work, and should be completed by the end of October. Work will be performed around the Derby schedule so as not to affect the races in July.

The work will bring an inglorious end to a structure that has played a big role in Akron's history and the lives of many long-time residents. Built in 1940 as a public works project during the depression, the Rubber Bowl held more than 35,000 attendees for events ranging from University of Akron football games to concerts by The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and other big names. The Akron Zips played in the Rubber Bowl for the last time in 2008.

There have been various efforts to save the stadium in recent years, most recently when it was purchased for the paltry sum of $38,000 in 2013 for a football franchise. But the proposed team's league never came together, nor did subsequent efforts to use it for other entertainment purposes. The city got the stadium back and in 2017 said it would be demolished.

It will be a sad end for many Akronites, including civic leaders.

"The demolition of the Rubber Bowl represents the end of an era," Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan said. "Like many Akron residents, I have fond memories of attending football games and other events there throughout my life. However, the structure is well beyond repair and now poses a danger to the public. It's time for us to honor the rich history of the Rubber Bowl while making way for a safer and improved use for the site," he added.

The city is asking the public to avoid the structure, which is condemned, and says that for public safety any trespassers to the site will be prosecuted.