Drexel plans to renovate the drill hall for use as a basketball arena and convocation center by 2012. Teams play in the 2,300-seat Daskalakis Athletic Center.

The signing ceremony will take place at noon at the armory.

Five years ago, Drexel announced plans for a 5,000-seat basketball arena and convocation center, but the National Guard's 103rd Engineering Battalion has continued to occupy the armory. Drexel and the National Guard began discussions in 1998 about the university's using the armory.

The recruiting station, headquarters and museum will remain in the armory, along with the university's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. *

- Bill Fleischman