Upgrading or replacing the downtown arena and building a performing arts center deserve top-priority treatment by local leaders.

Both the arena and proposed arts center are critical in downtown Orlando to position Central Florida as a world-class community that offers a wide variety of arts, entertainment and recreation.

Certainly the venerable Citrus Bowl stadium is part of the world-class mix. But a major overhaul right now is a secondary concern, especially in light of last week's announcement that the University of Central Florida is considering building its own on-campus football stadium. UCF currently plays its home games at the downtown Citrus Bowl.

It's understandable that UCF wants its own stadium. Even if UCF leaves, the Citrus Bowl still serves a purpose because it hosts a few other collegiate games and other sporting events. Therefore, the stadium's condition should not be neglected.

The primary focus now, though, belongs on the downtown arena, where the NBA's Orlando Magic play, and the performing arts center. The Magic might leave town unless they get a better arena. A performing arts center is critical to expand this area's cultural offerings.

Neither the arena nor the arts center should be done on the cheap. Doing the job right requires local officials to start working on a plan now to use a portion of the hotel tax to pay for these projects.

Building a world-class community requires leadership and courage.