SUMMIT SCRAMBLING TO STAY IN BUSINESS

     In an attempt to "dissuade support" for a new downtown
Houston sports facility, the managers of the city-owned Summit
have updated a proposed renovation, according to the HOUSTON
CHRONICLE.  The recommendation, submitted to a venue committee
appointed by Houston Mayor Bob Lanier, calls for an extra 24
skyboxes in addition to an already planned 30 luxury suites and
2,000 club seats.  Currently, The Summit houses only 20 skyboxes
and no other seating amenities.  Total renovation costs are
estimated at $50M.  Mike McGee, Chair of Leisure Management,
which manages the arena:  "The big question is:  Do we want to
spend $200 million for a new arena or $50 million to update one
that is a good one."  A March study indicated a renovated Summit
would not meet the demand for seats, and that the local business
community could support a new arena with 80-100 luxury suites and
2,000 club seats (John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/17).