As the landmark in the city of Yekaterinburg, Russia, the half-finished TV tower, which was built during the Soviet Era, was blown up on Thursday in a bid to make room for a new World Cup stadium. /VCG Photo

Local citizens opposed to the demolition of the old TV tower and took part in a “Hug the Tower” rally earlier this week as they considered it as the landmark of the city. / VCG Photo  

“No one seriously believes that the city needs such a symbol,” local governor Eugene Kuivashev said in a radio interview. The TV tower was built in 1983 and left unfinished due to the collapse of the former Soviet Union. /VCG Photo

As the host of the 2018 World Cup, Russia is busy with the construction of new stadiums. The competition will be hosted in 11 cities across the country, including Yekaterinburg. /VCG Photo