NASHVILLE CITY COUNCIL SPARS BEFORE APPROVING PREDATORS DEAL

          In Nashville, "several" Metro Council members Tuesday
     night "voiced" concern about the NHL Predators' "slow ticket
     sales," according to Rob Moritz of the NASHVILLE BANNER. 
     The members "tried to defer" a vote on the $21M bond issue
     to pay the city's portion of the NHL's $80M franchise fee
     for the team.  Members also tried to "amend the bill to
     require" that the $21M be "returned to Metro if the team
     leaves within five years."  But Councilmember Eileen Beehan
     told the group that the deal was approved two years ago, and
     added, "We made this pledge."  Two resolutions appropriating
     the bonds were then OK'd by a voice vote.  The $21M will be
     in an escrow account and the team "will use the money as
     collateral to borrow additional money to help pay its share
     of the franchise fee."  If the team doesn't sell the 12,000
     season tix mandated by March 31 and does not receive a
     franchise, the city will get the $21M back (BANNER, 1/21).