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Firefighters scramble to put out fire at Memorial Stadium near CPCC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Firefighters had to scramble to put out a large fire near the campus of Central Piedmont Community College Friday morning.

[PHOTOS: Firefighters battle large fire near CPCC]

More than two dozen firefighters were called around 9 a.m. to the fire on North Kings Drive and Armory Drive, near Memorial Stadium and the Grady Cole Center just outside of uptown Charlotte.

[ALSO READ: Dozens of firefighters battle huge flames at Burke County industrial plant]

The fire department said a 20-foot by 40-foot building, which appeared to be the old press box, was engulfed in flames.

It took 28 firefighters about 18 minutes to get the fire under control. Nobody was hurt.

According to county officials, a contractor hit a live electrical wire while tearing down the old press box during renovations at Memorial Stadium.

Students said they could see the smoke all over campus.

“At least it was over in the construction area where they were tearing down anyway, and it’s not a place where it’s going to affect a lot of change,” student Marie Feroli said.

The stadium is a Charlotte landmark that’s undergoing some big changes.

Most of the $35 million project is paid for by Mecklenburg County taxpayers.

It will be the new home to the Charlotte Independence soccer team, with enough room to fit 10,000 fans. It will also serve as a multi-purpose field.

Investigators said the fire was an accident, and there was nothing suspicious.

(WATCH BELOW: Chopper 9 Skyzoom over the fire)

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