Bullets & Caps Owner Abe Pollin said yesterday that he
does not have a "firm date" for the opening of the new MCI
Center, "leaving open the possibility" that the teams will
begin next season in their current home at USAir Arena,
according to Thomas Heath of the WASHINGTON POST. Pollin,
speaking at a press conference marking the placement of the
building's highest piece of steel, said the arena will open
"sometime in the fall," but as for a date said, "We don't
know yet." The $175M facility, about 70% complete, will
have to be completed by early October to open in time for
the NHL season, with the NBA season opening in November.
Season-ticket holders for both teams who have made down
payments on next year's seats, which are about 50% above
USAir Arena prices, will receive a 10% rebate for every game
not played at MCI Center (WASHINGTON POST, 4/24).
GROUND WORK: Pollin also unveiled a program where fans
can purchase personalized bricks to be placed in sidewalks
around the arena for $70, with proceeds going to the United
Negro College Fund and to the children of late Bullets
Assistant Coach Derek Smith (WASHINGTON POST, 4/24).
