HAWKS HOPE TO STAY DOWNTOWN IN NEW ARENA

     A meeting between the Hawks and Atlanta city officials
yesterday to discuss the possibility of a new downtown arena was
"productive," according to both sides.  The Hawks have said they
want to leave the Omni and "relocate to a modern arena" with more
luxury boxes in the suburbs.  The city, however, would like to
keep the team downtown.  Turner Broadcasting VP William Shaw said
TBS Chair/Hawks Owner Ted Turner "is a big supporter of the city
and, all things equal, he'd like to stay in the city."  A "few
possible" Atlanta sites are being explored, but "no specific
proposal" was made (Saporta & Unger, ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/29).