NHL ATTENDANCE: USA TODAY's Kevin Allen examines early-
season NHL attendance and writes that league "turnstile
tremors in the first two months are as predictable as
routine rumbling along the San Andreas fault line." NHL
Commissioner Gary Bettman: "At the end of the day, what you
will find historically is our attendance is relatively
stable. Probably it is the most stable of all of the sports
in that regard." Canucks GM Brian Burke: "I don't think
there is a problem at all." Senators President Roy Mlakar
said, "I certainly would be scared for some franchises. ...
I would pay attention to some franchises with how they are
scaling their tickets or marketing their products." Allen:
"A USA TODAY review of attendance figures from this year and
last year from several angles shows that while some teams
[are] struggling at the gate, the NHL's attendance is about
where it was last season (USA TODAY, 11/21).
HORSE RACING: The DAILY RACING FORM's Matt Hegarty
cited KY Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association
(KHBPA) officials as saying that the organization "is
considering withdrawing" from the NTRA "amid concerns that
trainers and owners do not receive enough benefits" from the
organization (DAILY RACING FORM, 11/19). Meanwhile, for the
fourth time in the past decade, Churchill Downs is
increasing ticket prices for the KY Derby and KY Oaks,
citing "strong demand for the events and escalating
operational costs." General admission for the 2001 KY Derby
will increase $5, or 14%, to $40, while admission to the
Oaks will increase $5, or 20%, to $30 (DRF, 11/18).
