WEBB SODA-POPS ASCENT OVER 'BURB THREAT

     With a can of Coca-Cola in hand, Denver Mayor Wellington
Webb "blasted" Nuggets and Avalanche Owner Ascent Entertainment
Group for threatening to move the Pepsi Center to the suburbs,
reports Gary Kelly of the ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS.  Webb said
Ascent's new deal to build the arena was "so one-sided" that he
and the City Council would be "run out of town if they even
considered it."  Webb:  "To come in and tell us we are not acting
quick enough after they've been fiddle-faddling around while they
had revolving-door management there -- I am not going to put up
with that."  Ascent President Charlie Lyons said he was
"disappointed" to be the target of such a "personal attack" and
reiterated that he wants to make a deal with Denver -- but only
if it's a "sound business decision" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 7/30).