COMSAT STILL COMMITTED TO DOWNTOWN DENVER, BUT ...

     Gary Hunter, Exec VP for the Nuggets and Avalanche, told a
group of general contractors yesterday that Comsat Corp., owner
of the two teams, is committed to building a new arena in
downtown Denver, according to this morning's DENVER POST.  But
Hunter "left the door" open for a move to the suburbs if "certain
economic components don't fall into place" for the proposed Pepsi
Center.  Comsat's "tentative" deal to build the Pepsi Center on
property owned by billionaire Philip Anschutz "fizzled miserably
last month."  Anschutz has since purchased the L.A. Kings.
Hunter: "Despite reports in the media, we had foreseen potential
conflicts of interest down the road with Philip and his interest
in the Kings."  If Comsat finds a site in the next few months,
Hunter said to expect a groundbreaking next July or August with
an opening in '98 (DENVER POST, 10/18).