ALABAMA GETAWAY? XFL, BIRMINGHAM DISCUSS FINAL LOGISTICS

          The XFL and Birmingham, AL, city leaders "still must
     tie up loose ends" before the league officially announces
     the city as a charter franchise, according to Segrest &
     Norris of the BIRMINGHAM NEWS.  AL Sports Foundation CEO
     Gene Hallman said observers should "not read anything into
     the delay.  All indications remain very strong that the XFL
     will be here for its inaugural season."   Officials "close"
     to the talks said that the "main drawback appears to be a
     firm agreement on the use" of Legion Field, as the league
     and city parks & rec board have discussed tentative
     arrangements "but have not yet agreed to a contract."  A
     city official said that the city's proposal is to lease the
     facility at a rate of $30,000 for each of ten home games
     over a two-year period.  The league and city "continue to
     wrangle" over the lease price, as well as concessions and
     parking revenue (BIRMINGHAM NEWS, 6/27).