TROY (AP) — The Troy University Board of Trustees has given approval for architects to draft plans for the university’s new multipurpose arena and convocation center.

The trustees voted to proceed with plans for the new 5,000 to 5,600-seat basketball arena at their meeting Friday. Troy officials hope the arena and multipurpose facility will be open by fall 2011.

Troy Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said some private funding would be used to construct the facility. The board on Friday approved a $62.7 million bond issue to finance the project. Proceeds from the bonds are also financing construction of a student housing development and a new dining hall.