Sears, Roebuck and Co. announced Tuesday plans to construct an 11,000-seat sports and entertainment arena about 50 miles from NIU’s Convocation Center.

The arena will be built in suburban Hoffman Estates and is expected to break ground next spring, with the first events in fall 2006.

Sears, which donated the land for the venue, is building the arena with a large real estate developer. The arena will be built within the developing Prairie Stone Business Park.

Knowledge of the new arena has been sparse in DeKalb. Kevin Selover, marketing coordinator for the Convocation Center, did not comment on the new venue’s impact on NIU, but said he wasn’t concerned about potential competition. The $36 million Convo Center is a 10,000-seat arena opened in August 2002.

Representatives for Rockford’s MetroCentre, another 10,000-seat arena, weren’t aware of plans for the new venue and did not comment on the potential impact on their business.

The project is expected to cost $60 million and is led by Minnesota-based developer Ryan Companies U.S., which will hold a 75-percent interest in the development. Sears will own the remaining 25 percent, as well as the naming rights to the facility, which is being now referred to only as the Hoffman Estates Center.

Project spokesman Michael Millar said no formal booking agreements have been made, but did say sports and concert promoters have expressed interest in booking events at the arena.

The village of Hoffman Estates is expected to issue $50 million in bonds for the project, which will be repaid entirely through revenue generated by the arena. Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod immediately endorsed the project, saying it will spur hotels, restaurants and other businesses in the area.

Brian Becker, director of NIU’s outreach center in Hoffman Estates, described the impact of the new arena on the DeKalb campus’ Convocation Center as indirect. He acknowledged, however, the potential effects of the arena on the suburb.

“It will make Hoffman Estates a destination that it’s not now and possibly attract more people to the Hoffman outreach center,” Becker said.

Road distances to other nearby arenas

MetroCentre

Rockford: 47 miles

Allstate Arena

Rosemont: 63 miles

United Center

Chicago: 65 miles

Tweeter Center

Tinley Park: 84 miles