ISLANDERS TO HAVE NEW ARENA, POSSIBLE NEW TENANT, BY 2001

          In his State of the County address yesterday, Nassau
     County, NY, Exec Thomas Gulotta "urged" that the county get
     started this year on construction of a new arena for the
     Islanders "and other sports teams as the centerpiece of a
     tourist and entertainment hub in central Nassau," according
     to Bruce Lambert of the N.Y. TIMES.  Gulotta said he wanted
     plans for the new arena made final this fall, with an
     opening date set for the 2001 hockey season.  Gulotta said
     talks are underway with the Islanders and other pro sports
     franchises "that might be interested in sharing the arena,
     but he would not provide any details" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/30).