SHOW ME CENTER PACKS HOUSE FOR EVENTS IN 2000

The Show Me Center just welcomed its 4 millionth customer since its opening in 1987. Customer Brandi Jackman, who received two tickets to Wrestlemania among other prizes, was selected during the World Wrestling Federation show on Feb. 18.

Even though attendance at some events during the 2000 was disappointing, others helped push toward the 4-million-customer mark.

* Jan. 19, World Championship Wrestling led by Marcus "Buff" Bagwell brought 1,922 customers to the Show Me Center.

* Jan. 22, Def Leppard and Joan Jett committed aural assault and battery on a happy crowd of more than 5,000 as rock 'n' roll returned to the Show Me Center after a lengthy absence.

* Feb. 4-5, the Checkered Flag Monster Truck Show and Challenge drew more than 6,000 over the two days.

* Feb. 22, "Pinocchio."

* Feb. 25-27, the Longhorn Championship Rodeo proved once again to be one of the venue's most reliable draws. Four Longhorn Pony Express trick riders recreated the performances of trick riders of the early 20th century. At the end, they stood atop their running horses carrying American flags.

* March 3, Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top sold out the Show Me Center. The attendance of 6,908 was the highest for any event of the year.

* March 10-11, Arena Cross Challenge.

* March 22, Sterling & Reid Circus.

* March 29, country star John Anderson performed in a benefit for the Missouri State Troopers Association.

* April 5, Bush and Moby treated a mostly college audience to alternative rock and techno-dance music, respectively.

* Oct. 18, the Reynaldo Rincon flamenco dancers entertained 386 school children.

* Oct. 25, former "Laverne & Shirley" TV stars Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka came to town in a production of the musical "Grease" for 2,000 people. Before the musical began, Mekka warmed up the crowd with a hand jive demonstration and home-town dance contest. n Nov. 30, Kenny Rogers crooned Christmas songs and played the owner of a toy store in "Christmas from the Heart featuring the Toy Shoppe"

* Dec. 2, Kennett, Mo., native Sheryl Crow and hometown favorites Papa Aborigine performed in benefit for School for the Visual and Performing Arts and the Kennett Higher Learning Center. An audience of 2,996 gave Crow and her crack six-piece band a rousing welcome and kept the energy high during the performance.

* Dec. 8, the Saint Louis Ballet returned to perform the Christmas favorite "Nutcracker"

* Dec. 12, the Bellamy Brothers performed in a concert for the Missouri State Troopers Association.