NJSEA REPORTS A $1.8M LOSS FOR CONTINENTAL ARENA IN '99

          Despite a "record year" for Continental Arena, with
     Bruce Springsteen selling out the venue 15 times, the NJ
     Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA) reported that the
     arena "still lost" $1.8M in '99, according to Doug Most of
     the Bergen RECORD.  NJSEA officials say that they "hope the
     arena's success in filling dates, coupled with its poor
     financial showing, will help persuade lawmakers to replace
     Continental Arena with a new arena and family entertainment
     center in the Meadowlands."  NJSEA spokesperson John
     Samerjan said that "today's arena cannot succeed as sports
     and concert venues alone.  They must give visitors other
     reasons to show up, such as shopping and restaurants." 
     Giants Stadium showed operating revenue of $13M, while
     Meadowlands Racetrack had revenue of $15.9M.  NJSEA
     "estimates" overall year-end revenues at "slightly more
     than" $161M, up from $156.7M last year (RECORD, 12/18).