RAPTORS NEW ARENA READY FOR TAKEOFF WITH AIR CANADA

     The Raptors will announce today that "they have sold the
name rights to their new arena" to Air Canada (Neil Campbell,
Toronto GLOBE AND MAIL, 2/24).  The deal is reportedly worth
C$20M over a 20-year span and is "believed to be the most money
ever paid for a title sponsorship in Canada."  The airline could
also serve as the Raptor's charter carrier.  According to an Air
Canada source, the "appeal" to Air Canada Chair Hollis Harris "is
clear" -- he is an American, and "several of his U.S. competitors
have become title sponsors."  For example, America West in
Phoenix, United Center in Chicago, and USAir Arena in Landover,
MD (Craig Daniels, TORONTO SUN, 2/24).