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A 12-member planning committee appointed to consider the future of Rupp Arena unanimously voted Saturday to approve a plan to renovate the facility.

The new design features a glass and translucent covering. The plans also include a 46-acre downtown arts and entertainment district, a new convention center, underground parking and an amphitheater. It would reportedly take 10 to 20 years to complete the entire project.

The planning committee did not address financing for the project.That job falls on the finance committee. Its report is expected in January. The committees make up part of a 47-member task force put together by Mayor Jim Gray last spring.

According to the plans, Rupp's seating capacity would increase slightly and chair-backed seats would replace bleacher seating.

Photo: Spacegroup architectural firm