"You all have a corner that needs something," he told the prospective bidders.

That was until yesterday, when school officials mapped out the requirements for prospective bidders.

The prospectus sent to prospective bidders last week listed no asking prices for the properties.

Under federal securities law, prospective bidders must be screened to determine if the investment is suitable for them.

Meanwhile, prospective bidders call in to establish their credit.

"Now, prospective bidders have more to work with in terms of looking at what is going to be built around the circle."

City officials said the construction would change the area, and they wanted to give prospective bidders a chance to reassess it.

And Gretzky is asking for a lot of money, which figures to weed out many prospective bidders.

When the auction houses set estimates that buyers considered too high, prospective bidders just sat on their hands.

A significant next step is on Wednesday, when prospective bidders will tour of the 5,300-acre site.