A SOLD OUT TURNER FIELD? In Atlanta, Matt Kempner
reports that the Braves could have their first sellout for a
playoff game this year, as only a few hundred single seats
remain for tonight's NLCS Game Six against the Mets (ATLANTA
CONSTITUTION, 10/19). In N.Y., Judy Battista reports that
9,000 tickets remained at the start of yesterday, but a "big
rush of on-line orders" helped (N.Y. TIMES, 10/19).
NOTES: The Saints fined coach Mike Ditka $20,000 for
making obscene gestures to fans during Sunday's game against
the Titans at the Superdome. Ditka gave the finger to the
crowd and "grabbed his crotch" as he walked off after the
game (USA TODAY, 10/19)....In Phoenix, Bob Young writes that
the Suns held a free team scrimmage with an autograph
session last night to "kiss and make up with fans after last
season's lockout and shortened season." But if the "crowd
that showed up ... is an indication, the NBA has more
kissing up to do." While the first 5,000 fans were given
free hot dogs and soda, Young writes that "it's a safe bet
everybody got at least one free dog" (AZ REPUBLIC, 10/19).
...In Edmonton, Scott Zerr, on Percy "Master P" Miller's
performance during last night's Grizzlies-Raptors preseason
game: "He won't be part of the club when final cuts come ...
unless he happens to buy the franchise" (EDMONTON SUN,
10/19)....In Montreal, Pat Hickey notes that last night's
announced attendance of 18,611 against the Islanders marks
the third straight game the Canadiens have drawn less than
20,000 fans and was the first time since the Molson Centre
opened in '96 that the Canadiens failed to draw 19,000.
This came while the team had a 2-for-1 promo for some upper
level seats (GAZETTE, 10/19)....In DC, Jason La Canfora
writes on the Caps coaching staff's reliance on computers
for game preparations, and notes that Owner Ted Leonsis is
bringing in AOL employees to instruct the team on how to use
new laptops that he gave each player (WASH. POST, 10/19).
