RIDING HIGH AT 7-0, VIKINGS ANNOUNCE 9% TICKET INCREASE

          The Vikings will increase ticket prices by an average
     of 9.2% for next season, according to Seifert & Youngblood
     of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE.  The team's most expensive
     ticket will increase from $65.50 to $75, while the "cheapest
     will remain" $9.90.  The average ticket price next season
     will be $53.25, which is up 48.8% from '98 prices.  Vikings
     Exec VP/Business Operations Mike Kelly said the increase was
     related to the team's quest for a new stadium.  He said in
     order to convince state legislators that the team needs a
     new stadium to remain fiscally competitive, the Vikings
     "need to make sure we're maximizing our revenue from the
     assets we have now" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/24).  The
     Vikings are expected to generate roughly $290,000 more
     through ticket sales next season (PIONEER PRESS, 10/24).