NHL: Raleigh's Centennial Authority has asked the
Hurricanes to contribute $20M for its new arena, a figure
which is "at least" $8M "more than" the team's original
commitment. Should the Hurricanes agree, and "both sides
say they are very close," the arena would get a "long list
of extra amenities," including 20 extra luxury suites and
added media space. The team is scheduled to begin play in
Raleigh for the '99-2000 season (Raleigh NEWS & OBSERVER,
10/22)....A lawsuit alleging that the NHL Panthers new arena
failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
has been dropped, after the plaintiffs in the suit
"satisfied themselves" that the arena would comply with the
act (SOUTH FLORIDA BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/20 issue).
MLB: In St. Louis, the Cardinals "will make" $4-5M
worth of improvements to Busch Stadium before next season,
including a new picnic area in right field. The team is
also considering renovating the park's suite level to create
more party rooms and luxury suites, and adding more seats
behind home plate (ST. LOUIS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 10/20 issue).