TAMPA AUTHORITY TAKES HIT ON BUCS, BUT SAYS IT'S WORTH IT

          The Tampa Sports Authority (TSA) lost "nearly" $4M over
     the past two years because of "incentives given" to the Bucs
     to remain in Tampa, according to Wayne Washington of the ST.
     PETERSBURG TIMES.  The TSA lost $1.8M in '96 and $2M in '97
     because it "allowed the Bucs to play in Houlihan's Stadium
     rent-free and keep all parking and concession revenue during
     those seasons."  Beginning next season, when the Bucs move
     into a new stadium, the TSA "expects to collect" $3.5M in
     rent from the team and "just under" $2M from a ticket
     surcharge.  Under normal circumstances, the county or city
     of Tampa "would have to cover TSA losses;" however, because
     the TSA held some money "in reserve against anticipated
     losses," that won't be the case (ST. PETE TIMES, 1/6).  
          ADIDAS PARK? Two companies, Eckerd and Fuji, "have
     shown an interest" in naming rights to the Bucs stadium, and
     that "[a]n athletic apparel company -- possibly Adidas -- is
     also reportedly talking to the Bucs."  The team had no
     comment (Dave Simanoff, TAMPA BAY BUSINESS JOURNAL, 1/5).