DOME DEADLINE COULD PROVE LUCRATIVE FOR RAMS

     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).