IN Gov. Frank O'Bannon has told Indianapolis Mayor
Stephen Goldsmith that "the state purse is now closed to
more requests for a basketball arena." The Governor also
said that "it's time for the city to dip into its own pocket
to cover the" $20M still needed for the proposed downtown
arena (INDIANAPOLIS STAR-NEWS, 6/13)....In Montreal, Jeff
Blair writes on Expos Chair Claude Brochu's offer to pay
airfare and hotel costs for Montreal writers to attend an
"information session" when the Expos visit Camden Yards for
an interleague game. Brochu will use the event in his bid
for a new ballpark. Blair: "I don't need a junket to like
the idea of a new ballpark. ... I just don't think there are
enough baseball fans in Montreal to make it work" (Montreal
GAZETTE, 6/13)....In Seattle, text from one of the latest
ads from Seahawks stadium proponents, "Our Team Works." A
voiceover: "Yes [on measure No. 48] means World Cup soccer
and youth soccer championship games for all ages. Yes means
a commitment of over 7,000 affordable seats for families.
Yes means that fans, those who play a special lottery and
visitors will pay. Yes will not take money from schools,
roads or public safety. Yes means we can create something
lasting for our future" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 6/12).
