BLUES NOT SAILING ON AN EVEN KIEL

     A strong showing in the playoffs and the late-season arrival
of Wayne Gretzky were not enough to "rescue the [Blues'] finances
from the clutches of mounting debt and red ink," writes Denise
Smith Amos of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH.  Earlier in the year,
Kiel Center Partners L.P., Owner of the Blues, expected to finish
the season in down $7M, but thanks in part to revenue generated
through the playoffs -- estimated at $750-900,000 per game -- and
post-Gretzky sell-outs, that debt will be much less.  Another
revenue bonus was pay-per-view which generated $1.28M, 50% to 60%
of which the Blues get to keep.  Though figures are unavailable,
Kiel Partners expect a deficit from $10M in debt service costs,
payment to Gretzky and debts incurred from last year's lockout
(St. Louis POST-DISPATCH, 5/19).