FRANCHISE NOTES

          MLS Deputy Commissioner Sunil Gulati, on Lockhart
     Stadium, home of the Fusion: "[T]he stadium is phenomenal. 
     It is one of the best, if not the best, in our league and
     will be a model for our other 11 teams" (MIAMI HERALD,
     3/16).  In Miami, Dan LeBatard: "You can't say soccer will
     work here just because of this magnificent opening act. ...
     But all things considered, it would have been just about
     impossible for this Sunday to be any more encouraging than
     it was" (Dan LeBatard, MIAMI HERALD, 3/16).
          NOTES: The Redskins announced yesterday they will not
     increase prices for season-ticket holders in '98 (WASHINGTON
     POST, 3/17)....In Calgary, Flames GM Al Coates said that
     while half the teams in the NHL, "maybe more," will lose
     money this year, the Flames made money last year -- "about a
     million bucks, and we're proud to say so" (CALGARY SUN,
     3/15)....More than 2,097 people have joined the Phillies VIP
     e-mail club, which enables them to get press releases by e-
     mail (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/15).