FIESTA BOWL HOPES TO TURN COPPER INTO SPONSORSHIP GOLD

          In an "unprecedented move that both sides admit is a
     gamble," the Fiesta Bowl has reached a tentative agreement
     to acquire the Tucson-based Copper Bowl, according to Kent
     Somers of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC.  Fiesta Bowl officials have
     signed a letter of intent and the two parties have until
     November 15 to reach a final agreement.  During that time,
     officials will "determine the acquisition price" and ask for
     the approval of the NCAA.  The two bowls "technically" will
     be owned by the AZ Sports Foundation, which has owned the
     Tempe-based Fiesta Bowl since in started in '71.  No
     organization has ever owned and operated more than one bowl. 
     Somers reports the bowls hope the deal is "attractive to
     corporations ... interested in sponsoring the Copper Bowl,
     as well as Fiesta Bowl events."  Copper Bowl Board Member
     Howard Volin noted the "tremendous amount of marketing
     opportunities," including a plan to sell packages to include
     the Copper Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl's
     basketball tournament (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 9/24).