<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-2000
<PERIOD-START> SEP-01-1999
<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-2000
<CASH> 572,194<F1>
<SECURITIES> 72,819<F2>
<RECEIVABLES> 14,285
<ALLOWANCES> 1,341
<INVENTORY> 4,681
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 684,535
<PP&E> 265,344
<DEPRECIATION> 28,044
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,266,306
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 94,169
<BONDS> 736,019
0
0
<COMMON> 3
<OTHER-SE> 407,195
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,266,306
<SALES> 31,342
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 31,342
<CGS> 39,333
<TOTAL-COSTS> 39,333
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 73,617
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 52,867
<INCOME-PRETAX> (157,011)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (157,011)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (4,422)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (161,433)
<EPS-BASIC> (7.42)
<EPS-DILUTED> (7.42)
<FN>
<F1>INCLUDED IN CASH ARE RESTRICTED AMOUNTS TOTALING $29,076.
<F2>INCLUDED IN SECURITIES ARE RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS TOTALING $26,479.
</FN>
</TABLE>