CFL SEES EARLY INCREASE AT THE GATE; TORONTO MISSES FLUTIE

          The CFL is "poised to enjoy its best year at the box
     office in many cities," according to Shawna Richer of the
     Toronto GLOBE & MAIL.  After the first eight games,
     attendance is up 15.6%, drawing 167,806 fans.  The Montreal
     Alouettes are "enjoying the largest increase in attendance
     with a rise of 94.3% and the Hamilton Tiger Cats have seen a
     21.9% increase over '97.  But fan interest in Toronto "has
     ebbed to a new low," as the team drew "a paltry" 15,672 to
     their home opener (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 7/18).