In Denver, Scott Stocker writes that ISC "failed to
exercise" its option by last weekend's deadline to purchase
the land for a proposed speedway in the city near I-70. ISC
spokesperson Dave Talley: "We've got a lot on our plate, and
we've kind of put Denver on the back burner. ... But we are
not turning our heads away from Denver" (ROCKY MOUNTAIN
NEWS, 1/19)....AZ Gov. Jane Hull aide Ted Ferris said
yesterday that MLS "has expressed an interest" in placing a
team in a proposed new stadium for the Cardinals. Phoenix
is among several cities that the league is "eyeing" for
expansion franchises (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/19)....In Chicago,
Fran Spielman wrote that the Bears have made "substantial
cuts" in their plan to renovate Soldier Field to "appease"
Mayor Richard Daley, "who had soured" on the project's $400M
price tag. One source familiar with the new plan: "They've
brought the price down. It's within reason" (SUN-TIMES,
1/18)....The WNBA Sparks will remain at the Great Western
Forum for the 2000 season because Staples Center will not be
available for their entire season due to the Democratic
National Convention in August (AP, 1/19)....In San Diego,
Gerry Braun wrote that "a second ballot initiative that
could unravel the Padres ballpark project is being readied
for voters' signatures." The measure "would force city
officials to seek alternative funding," such as personal
contributions from Padres President Larry Lucchino and Owner
John Moores (S.D. UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/18).
