Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., is scheduled to break ground this weekend on a $65 million performing arts center.

The university says the 85,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2019.

Programming in the performing arts center will include a wide range of events, including touring Broadway productions; dance, orchestra and symphony performances; and student and faculty music and theater performances.

Designed to have superior acoustics and fully integrated technology, the center will include a 1,200-seat main performance hall, an open lobby and a porch and lawn that will serve as an additional performance venue.

Situated across from the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art on the Auburn campus, the performing arts center will become part of a new arts district for the university, community and region.

A $25 million lead gift from 1957 graduates John and Rosemary Brown is helping to pay for construction of the center.

"We are thankful that John and Rosemary believed in our vision for a world-class performing arts center and provided the spark that set us on our path to making this dream come true," says Jay Gogue, Auburn University president.