LIGHTNING HOPE TODAY'S THE DAY FOR FINALIZATION OF NEW ARENA

     The Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) today is expected to
approve an agreement that would guarantee funding for a new
facility for the Lightning to be completed by '96-97 to be owned
by TSA, but managed and operated by the team.  Financing includes
five sources:  A team-state partnership for annual advances on
sales taxes accruing from arena income; a $.50 surcharge on each
ticket sold and 10% on luxury box leases; the one-fifth cent of
the tourist tax; the city's guarantee of parking revenue from a
proposed garage next door; and the city's guarantee of $250,000 a
year for 30 years, to be paid through a $.25 surcharge on arena
events (Tom McEwen, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 6/25).