The Atlanta Games begin in a month, but the "anticipation
and excitement" are "tempered" by lingering questions about the
city's preparedness, according to the N.Y. TIMES. Despite a
$1.7B price tag, Jere Longman writes there is a "distinct
bargain-basement" feel to the Olympic Stadium and the entire
Games. While acknowledging there are streets to pave, sidewalks
to cement and $150M left to raise, ACOG CEO Billy Payne said
Tuesday, "We're sitting where we want to be." Transportation is
a "huge concern" because it cannot be simulated before the Games.
Other areas to be worked out: technological "bugs" in the results
systems at the Stadium, "glitches" in Swatch timing, and IBM and
Xerox systems that produce events results. In addition, the
Olympic drug testing lab has not been accredited by the IOC (N.Y.
TIMES, 6/19). Bob Kersee, husband and coach of Jackie Joyner-
Kersee, complained "vociferously" about the lack of shade at the
Stadium (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 6/19). "Accelerated plans" for more
shade areas and watering stations are "in the works" (Ben Brown,
USA TODAY, 6/19).