Oregon Public Broadcasting

The University of Oregon could begin construction of a new basketball arena within two weeks. The final deadline to appeal construction ended Wednesday, and no appeals were filed. That means Thursday, the city of Eugene effectively approved the conditional use permit for the arena.

Lisa Gardner is the planning director for the city of Eugene. She said that without an appeal, all that’s left for the University is paperwork.

Lisa Gardner: “The University can submit their building permits. So, there’s a building permit process. And as we understand it, they will be submitting the building permit in phases. We have certain requirements and they are really set out in state building code.”

The plans for the 12,000 fan arena carry a $225 million price tag. Some claim it’s the most expensive college-built basketball arena in U.S. history.

The Oregon Ducks currently play basketball and other sports in cramped MacArthur Court, one of the oldest gyms in the country.

If construction begins this year, the University says the arena could open in about two years.