PRESENTATION MADE FOR NEW WINNIPEG ARENA

     At the kickoff of the their marketing blitz for a proposed
new arena in Winnipeg, the Manitoba Entertainment Complex (MEC)
announced it had sold 34 luxury boxes and 400 club seats on its
first day of business.  Writes Ed Willes, "That means it took its
first bold step toward the construction of a new arena in
Winnipeg.  That means we might actually have an NHL team to call
our own."  MEC's goal for the end of November was 40 luxury
suites and 1,000-1,500 club seats.  They are 3/4 of the way there
on luxury suites.  Also at the kickoff, Winnipeg Mayor Susan
Thompson said she was behind committing city tax dollars to the
project.  Thompson: "As far as my position, I think some tax
money in an entertainment complex is a good investment for our
city."  Last night, the MEC "basically put the shovel in the
ground for the new arena" (WINNIPEG SUN, 10/25).