ROCKETS SIMMER ON LAUNCHING PAD IN SEARCH FOR NEW ARENA

     After seven months of "tenuous negotiations," Rockets Owner
Les Alexander "called a halt" to discussions about building a new
arena for the club, according to the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.
Alexander and IHL Aeros Owner Chuck Watson had been negotiating a
deal to allow the Rockets to buy an early release from their
lease at The Summit, which is managed by Watson.  However, the
CHRONICLE's John Williams cites sources which report that several
"sticking points" arose, including:  Alexander's demand that
Watson not pursue an NHL franchise; the lease buyout dollar
figure; operational control of a new arena; and questions on
whether the Aeros would have input on playing dates (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 7/31).