ATTENDANCE DOWN FOR WNBA PLAYOFFS; IS SHORT NOTICE A REASON?

          The first five games of the WNBA playoffs drew an
     average attendance of 9,701, more than 1,000 off the
     regular-season average of 10,869, according to Jeff Metcalfe
     of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC.  Charlotte (6,087), Cleveland
     (8,420), Phoenix (11,631) and Houston (11,901) have all
     drawn below their season average.  While the Mercury was
     down 15.5% and the Sting down 28.9%, both teams had "just
     three days" to sell tickets after clinching a playoff berth
     (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 8/26).  In Akron, Terry Pluto writes that
     the Rockers had only 24 hours to promote the game: "Next
     year, the crowds will be bigger.  The word of mouth on this
     league and the Rockers is strong" (BEACON JOURNAL, 8/26).