PITTSBURGH'S NEXT TASK: BUILD A NEW STADIUM FOR BUCS

     PA Gov.-elect Tom Ridge (R) and Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy
said Monday they are willing to talk about financing a new park
for the Pirates as soon as MLB approves a new team owner.
Adelphia Communications Chair John Rigas, the city's "preferred
buyer" said he expected to receive MLB's preliminary approval
this week and is "optimistic" he can have a sales agreement with
the Pirates' current owners by January 29.  The city has until
that date to find a buyer willing to keep the Pirates in
Pittsburgh and to assume more than $100M in debts and
obligations.  Both Murphy and Ridge agreed that building a
traditional-style ballpark "was necessary to turn around the
money-losing franchise."  Murphy envisions an entertainment
complex aimed at tourists, but Ridge said not to expect the state
to pay for the whole project (Steve Halvonik, PITTSBURGH POST-
GAZETTE, 12/13).