Tucson -- The city council has approved plans to expand the Tucson Convention Center and build a 12,500-seat arena.
Approved last week, the plans include renovating the center's exhibit hall, converting the present arena into a second hall, and building meeting rooms on land now used for a parking lot.
Transforming the center from the multipurpose facility it now is to a full-fledged convention center will take place after construction of the new arena, according to officials.
Construction of the $130-million, publicly funded arena could begin as early as summer of next year, according to convention center director Richard Singer.
City officials estimated the cost to renovate and expand the convention center at $60 million. The council also plans to consider spending another $60 million for a second-phase center expansion project, which would include increasing the ballroom space.
In addition, the city is also seeking proposals for a headquarters hotel.
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