Form: S-8

Initial registration statement for securities to be offered to employees pursuant to employee benefit plans

August 9, 2001

                                                                                                       Exhibit 23.1




                                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of Ball Corporation
of our report dated January 24, 2001, relating to the financial statements included in Ball Corporation's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.



/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Denver, Colorado
August 9, 2001