In Orlando, the DeVos family is looking to build a
multipurpose training and practice facility to accomodate its NBA
and IHL franchises.  The facility would include an ice rink and
health club open to the public, a basketball court, and office
space for the Magic and Solar Bears.  Although no timetable has
been set, they are looking to the north side of Orlando (George
Diaz, ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/6).
     FACE LIFT FOR O-RENA:  The Orlando Arena will be shut down
for six weeks in August to install 1,000 seats to the lower bowl,
expand locker rooms and put in a new ice-making system.  The cost
is estimated at $4M and will be paid for mostly by the DeVos'
(Dan Tracy, ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/6).

     The Rams could collect "millions of dollars" from FANS Inc.
if the new St. Louis dome is not ready for the team's first two
games scheduled there (October 22 & November 12), according to
Lorraine Kee of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH.  Those terms are in
the closing agreement signed last week after the Rams sought
"assurances" that the $260M stadium would be completed on time.
The only "extenuating circumstances" would be a major fire,
severe weather, an earthquake or "war, civil riot or
insurrection."  According to FANS Inc.'s Thomas Eagleton, the
Rams "felt they were at a significant risk if the stadium wasn't
completed on time."  The team reportedly sought a sum
"considerably larger" than $1M, but it was "negotiated downward."
The Rams also sought and received guarantees on the sale of
luxury boxes and club seats.  FANS must sell 95 luxury boxes by
August 31.  FANS has already sold 75.  If they do not, the St.
Louis Convention and Visitors Commission will have to pay for
each vacant suite for five years and each vacant club seat for
three years, or until sold (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 7/6).

     MI Gov. John Engler's rejection of casino gambling as a
funding methid for a new Tigers' stadium last week "set back" the
team's latest efforts.  The Tigers believe they must get started
building this year "or they'll lose still another season of
playing in a new stadium."  In his column in the DETROIT FREE
PRESS, Bob Talbert reports that a source close to Tigers/Little
Caesars/Red Wings Owner Mike Ilitch said that "if they can't
start now, the Tigers will be forced to move."  Talbert writes
that if a new stadium is rejected this time, "don't be surprised
to see Ilitch move not only the Tigers out of Detroit but the
Little Caesars headquarters, too" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/2).

     Islander ownership is watching with "keen interest" the
Devils' problems in New Jersey, according to Peter Botte in this
morning's N.Y. POST.  Yesterday, Islander CEO Bob Rosenthal said
the team is going to take "prudent, calculated" steps to rebuild
the franchise.  One of which is to "address the Nassau Coliseum
as a facility."  Rosenthal:  "We need either a dramatic
renovation or a new facility to make us competitive for our fans,
for this franchise."  Rosenthal stressed that the team was "not
moving," however, with so many cities "willing to embrace and
invest" in a pro team, they "expect the same" from the county,
Long Island and the state.  Rosenthal said the team has had "good
and ongoing" discussions with Nassau County Exec Thomas Giulotta
about a new building -- either adjacent to the existing Coliseum
or in the Belmont Park area.  But he also noted that "bare-
scratch minimum refurbishments," including renegotiating the
existing lease, are "critical" to being competitive in what
remains for now a three-team market.  If a new building is not
possible Rosenthal believes that, "at the very least," they need
to upgrade their exisiting site by increasing seating capacity,
adding more luxury boxes and improving various amenities (N.Y.
POST, 7/6).

     Spurs President Jack Diller said yesterday that talk of the
team wanting its own arena was "premature," according to today's
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS.  San Antonio Mayor Bill Thornton also
"continued to insist" that the Alamodome should be the team's
home.  Spurs Chair Robert McDermott, who was quoted Wednesday
calling the dome "unsuitable," said he "didn't have a time frame"
on needs for a new arena, nor whether it would have to be
publically financed.  McDermott:  "In other cities, it has been
attractive to private investors.  Hopefully, it will be here,
too."  Rumors the team would relocate if not given a new arena
were also downplayed by one Spurs investor, USAA Property
Holdings.  In a statement issued by the company:  "As an
investor, USAA remains committed to keeping the Spurs in San
Antonio and we believe the franchise can operate successfully in
the Alamodome for the forseeable future."  Mayor Thornton said he
asked Diller two weeks ago whether his goal was "financial
security or construction of a new arena."  Thornton:  "His answer
was quick and clear:  Their goal was to make the team financially
secure based on regular-season revenue" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-
NEWS, 7/6).  In a release, Diller said, "Spurs management is
currently working with city officials to try to find ways for the
Spurs to remain financially viable in the Alamodome.  Until every
such avenue has been fully explored it would be premature to
discuss the need for any alternative facility" (Spurs).