PITTSBURGH — Demolition of the former St. Francis Central Hospital is expected to begin in a few weeks to clear the way for a new arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The city-county Sports and Exhibition Authority approved paying $868,000 on Thursday to raze the hospital. The site will be used for part of the $290 million arena and a 500-space parking garage.

Officials expect demolition to be completed by summer.

The new arena will replace Mellon Arena, where the hockey team currently plays.