THE BUZZ ON A NEW HIVE: SHINN LEANING TOWARD UPTOWN STADIUM

     Hornets Owner George Shinn told a Charlotte citizens panel
he will build a new basketball arena, either uptown or next to
the Charlotte Coliseum, according to Dan Chapman of the CHARLOTTE
OBSERVER.  Shinn told the panel weighing the city's role in the
Hornets' future that "eventually, we're going to have a new
building" and that he is "leaning toward uptown."  While Shinn
did admit remaining at the Coliseum is an option, a team
consultant said it would be "an interim solution" since the
facility lacks the luxury suites and club seats to produce enough
revenue.  Shinn said First Union Bank has agreed to either
bankroll a new arena or help him buy the Coliseum which he would
tear down to build a new facility in its parking lot (CHARLOTTE
OBSERVER, 5/24).