The S.F. Giants, eager to build a new stadium, are
considering a seat-licensing strategy similar to that employed by
the Carolina Panthers in which season-ticket holders can purchase
the long-term rights to their seats, which can then be sold or
kept in the family for generations.  In order to finance a $220M
football facility, the Panthers sold permanent seat licenses for
as much as $5,400.  Without endorsing the Charlotte plan, Giants
Senior VP Pat Gallagher said the team probably would have to
similarly finance a new stadium:  "We're going to have to be very
creative.  We'll have to come up with a business solution as
opposed to a political solution. ... Our long-term plan is that
the fans deserve, at some point, to look forward to a new
ballpark" (Michael Martinez, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 10/20).

     Boston Mayor Thomas Menino came out in favor of a "slimmed-
down proposal" on Boston's proposed Megaplex -- a $440M "stand-
alone" convention center, without a stadium.  Menino's position
is at odds with Gov. William Weld's proposed $700M combination
convention hall/football stadium.  Menino's plan is expected to
"reignite debate" in the MA Legislature.  Of the three possible
sites detailed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), there
are plans for a convention center or a stadium, but not both.
Senate President William Bulger:  "The lack of a stadium may be a
problem for some people."  But the Boston Redevelopment Authority
concluded that the disadvantages of adding a stadium far
outweighed the advantages (Kindleberger & Vaillancourt, BOSTON
GLOBE, 10/20).  Menino's plan -- "without the costs and
controversy of a domed stadium" -- could see legislative action
"within months" (Phil Primack, BOSTON HERALD, 10/20).  A HERALD
editorial supports Menino and urges officials to adopt a proposal
that is a "doable" plan (HERALD, 10/20).

     Mariners CEO John Ellis told the editorial board of the
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER yesterday that the team will not sign
a long-term lease on a new stadium unless a retractable roof is
included.  The retractable roof adds $20-32M in costs to the
$223M project.  King County stadium task force officials have
"questioned the cost-effectiveness" of the roof since a KPMG Peat
Marwick study released last month stated that such a feature
"represents the highest cost alternative for a relatively nominal
gain in attendance and revenue generating capability."  Some
members also believe the issue of weather is "irrelevant" since
rainouts were sparse last year at the Tacoma Tigers' roofless
stadium.  Team officials say they want the retractable roof to
"guarantee fan comfort."  Ellis "rejects the notion" that the
team should pay for the roof and "said a more attractive building
could double stadium revenues ... without any increase in
attendance."  Ellis:  "We have the potential to be the Northwest
team.  We need a facility that will make it possible for us as a
region to realize that potential."  Ellis' reaction if the task
force decides not to include a roof on the new stadium:  "Don't
build it" (Angelo Bruscas, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 10/20).

     Roger Faulkner, chair of the group bidding for a Detroit MSL
franchise, says the city's chances of attracting a team are
diminished because no proper stadium is available.  The 80,000-
seat Silverdome, whch was used during the World Cup, is too large
for the 20,000-capacity which MLS officials are seeking.  MLS
also wants its teams to at least have "long term plans" for
natural grass field (DETROIT NEWS, 10/19)....The Yankees, the
Tampa Sports Authority and Hillsborough County break ground today
on the team's $17.5M, 10,000-seat spring training stadium and
practice facility (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 10/20)....The new United Center
has a seatside computer menu by the arena's concessionaire,
Bismarck Services.  The in-seat service is available to club and
courtside ticket holders and could generate $1M per year (CHICAGO
SUN-TIMES, 10/19).

     THE SPORTS BUSINESS DAILY has compiled information on the
NFL's stadiums and continues an occasional series of profiles
today with Three Rivers Stadium.  A baseball-only facility is
currently under study in Pittsburgh.

    ARA Services. Concessions split 60/40. Of the 40%,the Stadium 
    

  
 
    
 
      
STADIUM:
    
    
 
      
Three 
        Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.
    
  
  
 
    
AGE:
    
Built 
      in 1970.
  
  
 
    
CAPACITY:
    
59,500 for football, 
      47,000 for baseball.
  
  
 
    
LUXURY 
      BOXES:
    
115 luxury boxes - 
      Steelers control 11 skyboxesthey constructed -- others controlled bythe 
      Stadium Authority.
  
  
 
    
OWNERSHIP:
    
Owned and Operated 
      by the City of Pittsburgh.
  
  
 
    
CONCESSIONS: 
      
Authority receives 
      70%, the teams 30%.
  
  
 
    
PARKING:
    
3,500 spots, operated 
      by Alco Parking ofPittsburgh. $5 a car.
  
  
 
    
LEASE:
    
Steelers lease expires 
      1999, Pirates 2010.
  
  
 
    
ADVERTISING:
    
Teams and stadium 
      share advertising revenue, eachgetting 1/3. Estimate of total advertising 
      salesis $2.7-$3.0 million.
  
  
 
    
RENT:
    
$852,233 per year.
  
  
 
    
PUBLIC 
      $:
    
Annual public subsidy 
      of $3.7 million.
  


(Sources: James Sacco/Stadium GM; Rent and public subsidy figure
     from Florida Times Union article from July 24, 1994.)