In Houston, Eric Berger writes that "an extensive tour"
of $248.2M Enron Field yesterday "revealed that although its
exterior still needs considerable work, much of the inside
is, if a little dirty, pretty much complete." Berger: "Will
everything be ready in seven days?" Astros Owner Drayton
McLane: "Absolutely." Astros President of Business
Operations Bob McClaren: "A couple of minor areas won't
quite be finished, but, generally speaking, the ballpark is
complete and ready to have a capacity crowd" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 3/23)....The Tulsa (OK) Convention Tourism Task
Force "is considering" a sports arena among public projects
"intended to boost the local tourism" (USA TODAY, 3/23).
...In N.Y., Paul Moran writes that Magna Int'l Chair Frank
Stronach regards western NY as an "untapped market and
intends to build a racetrack" north of Buffalo. Magna has
acquired 600 acres "not far from" Niagara Falls, NY, about
86 miles from Toronto, near company headquarters (NEWSDAY,
3/23)....The MLB Giants began a campaign Tuesday to
"persuade fans" going to Pac Bell Park to take public
transit, walk, bicycle "or even skate to games rather than
trying their luck in a car." Team and local transportation
officials are looking to avoid "the traffic problems that
are feared" at the park. The team mailed transportation
planners to many of the 75,000 people who have season
tickets or are sharing with others (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/22).
