Illinois will delay a decision on whether to build a new arena or renovate Assembly Hall in light of economic woes, a university spokesman confirmed this afternoon. Sports information director Kent Brown said “in several months we’ll take a look down the road toward making a decision on what we want to do.”

Athletic director Ron Guenther said in August that a decision would be made by January on Assembly Hall. But considering the downturn in the economy and the likelihood that an arena project would surpass the Memorial Stadium renovation pricetag of $120 million, now is not the time, Brown said.

At the time, Guenther said options included a minor renovation, major renovation that could displace the Illini for a season or a new arena. Displacement would mean playing games at other arenas throughout the region, he said.

Brown said that preliminary plans were in the works. He said one option would be to undertake a project in phases, which would take longer but allow it to begin sooner.

“Nothing is off the board,” Brown said.