SMG/NHL KINGS GROUP SELECTED TO OPERATE READING ECHL TEAM

          The Berks County Convention Center Authority in
     Reading, PA, has selected a joint venture of SMG and the NHL
     Kings ownership group to negotiate with to become the owner-
     operator of the ECHL team that will play at the city's new
     Convention Center.  The Authority selected the SMG/Kings
     group over the E&J Hockey Club Inc. and Comcast-Spectacor. 
     Construction will begin on the new arena early next year,
     and the team will begin play in October of 2000 (Convention
     Center Authority).  The ECHL is also looking at Atlantic
     City for possible expansion (PHILA. INQUIRER, 7/16).