By Dan Horn
The Cincinnati Enquirer

If Hamilton County officials get their way, the next explosion at Cinergy Field will be the one that demolishes the stadium Dec. 29.

County officials asked FBI agents Wednesday to stop using explosives as part of counter-terrorism training exercises the agency is conducting at the stadium.

Downtown residents and office workers were alarmed Tuesday as loud explosions at the ballpark shook buildings and rattled windows.

At least seven blasts were heard between 5:30 and 8:40 p.m., prompting worried office workers to call police, firefighters and the gas company.

County commissioners said no one told them about the training exercises, but County Administrator David Krings gave the FBI permission to use the stadium.

"But we didn't expect the thunderous booms," Mr. Krings said.

An internal memo circulated by county administrators two weeks ago described the FBI exercises in detail. The memo stated that the agency wanted to use the soon-to-be-demolished stadium to practice hostage rescue and counter-terrorism tactics.

According to the memo, FBI agents would conduct "live fire exercises" with guns and would practice "explosive breaching" with a "small amount of explosives."

FBI spokesman Jim Turgal said the exercises provide a rare opportunity to practice in a real stadium.

"This training will enable the FBI ... to prepare for a potential attack upon a large sports arena or stadium, and that preparedness will save lives," he said.

County Commissioner Todd Portune said the explosions had demolished a stadium stairwell and doorways, and damaged a construction trailer.

Mr. Krings said training exercises would continue at the stadium for the next few days but would not involve loud explosions.

"There may be some ruckus," he said, "but nothing to worry about."

E-mail dhorn@enquirer.com