The (AP) reports: A bond issue to finance a $250 million arena for the Memphis Grizzlies got final approval Wednesday.

The Shelby County Commission voted 11-2 in favor of the bond issue, which the Memphis City Council approved in April.

The Memphis & Shelby County Sports Authority will issue revenue bonds to finance construction of the arena near the Beale Street entertainment district.

Work on the arena is expected to begin this month.

Taxpayers will pay for the arena primarily through sales tax rebates, hotel-motel taxes and surcharges on rental cars.

The arena is expected to open for the NBA's 2004-05 season. It also will be used for concerts and other entertainment.

The Grizzlies moved from Vancouver to Memphis before this season and played at the Pyramid arena.

The city and county promised the NBA they would build a new arena. The league wanted the bond issue approved by May 15.