1.   Nobody is foolish enough to talk publicly about the need for a new stadium this year, when fan support has fallen off dramatically.

2.   The Braves moved into a new stadium this year and banned people from bringing in concessions.

3.   The Yankees have drawn more fans to the stadium this year than ever before.

4.   They fired their old concessioners and are planning to offer better food in the stadium this year, including gourmet and ethnic selections and microbrew beer.

5.   Walker was signed by the Colorado Rockies, a club that set attendance records in its first two seasons and is moving into a new stadium this year.

6.   A world record crowd for rugby union is expected to watch Australia play New Zealand in their Bledisloe Cup match at the new Sydney Olympic stadium this year.

7.   The next four Super Bowls are in San Diego, Houston, Jacksonville and Detroit, which is opening its new domed stadium this year.

8.   The previous preseason games at the stadium this year were held on grass, which was removed Monday.

9.   The Twins have encouraged the idea that the team likely will be eliminated by major league baseball if they cannot win approval for a new stadium this year.