Houston Arena Plans Final As Start Of Construction Nears

	The Proposed Houston Arena

In an effort to "infuse Houston's new downtown sports arena with greater intimacy," the Rockets and the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority plan to "burrow the facility almost 32 feet below street level," according to Audrey Warren of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Rockets COO George Postolos: "We decided to sink the building ... so when people enter the main concourse they will get to walk down to their seat." Meanwhile, final plans for the 775,000-square foot arena were unveiled yesterday, showing that 62% of the 18,500 seats will be in the lower bowl. The arena, which will be owned by the authority and operated by the Rockets, will have 92 luxury suites and 2,800 club seats. Construction is scheduled to begin in eight days, and is to be finished in August '03 (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/24).