BEARS MAY ENTER NEW MILLENNIUM WITHOUT NEW STADIUM

          With the chances for "timely construction of a new
     stadium growing dimmer," the Bears have contacted the
     Chicago Park District, "apparently to discuss extending
     their stay at Soldier Field," according to Gary Washburn of
     the CHICAGO TRIBUNE.  The team's current 20-year lease for
     use of Soldier Field expires at the end of the '99 season. 
     City sources said that Mayor Richard Daley "has taken the
     issue of a new Bears stadium off his legislative agenda when
     the General Assembly reconvenes for its fall veto session." 
     One mayoral "ally," on the city's stance: "There is no
     public sentiment for them at all. ... So why get involved
     with it?"  Bridget Reidy, Lakefront Dir for the District,
     said that the Bears' tenancy "means" $7-7.5M a year to the
     District (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/18).