Texas-Arlington will build a new $73 million facility for its basketball and volleyball teams, set for completion by spring 2012. The 190,000-square-foot special events center will also accommodate other indoor sports, commencements, concerts and other events.

The building will also provide a venue for public events in Arlington in a part of the city marked for redevelopment. It will seat 6,500 people.

“We are grateful for the support of the regents for our long-awaited special events center,” said Texas-Arlington President James Spaniolo. “This events center will give our premier basketball teams a true home court and invigorate our campus spirit. The center also will be a cornerstone of development already reshaping downtown Arlington.”

The school plans to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver Certification for sustainable development of the new building. It will be built using university funds, private gifts and revenue bonds. The school is also developing a parking plan, including a large garage near the new facility.

For more information, visit the school’s dedicated Web page.