GRAND FORKS (AP) - Removing Fighting Sioux logos from Ralph Engelstad Arena on the University of North Dakota campus would cost more than $1 million, the arena manager says.

Jody Hodgson said RE Arena Inc., which operates the facility, would not pay for logo removals "out of respect for Mr. Engelstad and the investment he made in this university."

Under a settlement with the NCAA, UND has three years to win support of the Fighting Sioux nickname from the state's Sioux tribes. If that does not happen, the nickname and UND's American Indian head logo will be retired.

The state Board of Higher Education plans to discuss the nickname on Thursday at a meeting in Bismarck.

Ralph Engelstad Arena has some 2,400 Indian head logos. Many of them would have to be removed if UND wanted to continue hosting NCAA tournaments. Hodgson estimates that would cost more than $1 million.

The arena was financed by the late Ralph Engelstad, a former UND goalie who became wealthy as a Las Vegas casino and racetrack owner and real estate developer. Engelstad, who died in November 2002, threatened to shut down construction of the arena in early 2001, when the school debated changing the nickname.

However, there is no contract between UND and the management of the $104 million arena that includes conditions related to the Fighting Sioux nickname, Hodgson said.

Arena management also has not committed to making any changes to the arena, Hodgson said. The arena is not a party to the lawsuit against the NCAA and not obligated to change because of the settlement, he said.

But UND is the arena's business partner, so the decision will be made in UND's best interest, Hodgson said.

UND President Charles Kupchella said who would pay for arena changes has not been discussed. Ultimately, the building will be owned by UND when the lease agreement expires in 2030. There also could be an agreement reached with tribes about letting additional logos stay, Kupchella said.

John Q. Paulsen, president of the state Board of Higher Education, said that if it becomes necessary to make changes to the arena, the board would not be involved. The matter would have to be negotiated between RE Arena Inc. and UND, Paulsen said.