BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSION APPROVES PANTHERS ARENA PROJECT

     The Broward County Commission yesterday approved a $212M
arena project in the Ft. Lauderdale area by a 5-2 vote, according
to the TAMPA TRIBUNE.  Next week, the commission is scheduled to
select one of three proposed Broward County sites.  Panthers
Owner Wayne Huizenga agreed to drop his initial profit demand
from $15M to $14M, and Huizenga and the NHL have agreed to cover
any shortfalls in the deal.  The Commission must still approve a
bed tax increase from 2 to 5%.  Huizenga said he still intends to
sell the team, but only to an owner committed to South FL.  He
also floated the idea of public ownership (Joe Frisaro, TAMPA
TRIBUNE, 4/3).  Huizenga has given the commissioners a letter of
intent with financial guarantees and assured residents their
taxes won't be raised.  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also
promised to push for an NHL All-Star Game at the new arena within
four years (WASHINGTON POST, 4/3).