Hornets owners seeking support from Terrebonne, Lafourche

The New Orleans Hornets experienced a marked improvement in both the standings and the stands last season.

And owner George Shinn hopes the number of wins and spectators will continue to grow in 2007-08 with a little help from Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

Shinn, along with minority owner Gary Chouest, and state Representative Gordon Dove and Reggie Dupre, asked for support last Wednesday at a special cocktail party held at Dove’s residence in Houma.

Invited guests included prominent business owners and politicians throughout southern Louisiana.

&#8220We promise that if you support us, we’re going to give you the best product that we can,” Shinn told the attendees. &#8220When you come to New Orleans to watch a Hornets game, you’re going to enjoy it and you’re going to have fun.”

As of last week, the Hornets had sold 6,000 season tickets and all but three luxury suites.

The team, however, needs outside help in its rebuilding efforts, and it’s hoping to draw from the 225,000-plus population in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

&#8220It is incumbent upon us (Houma) being the closest metropolitan area to New Orleans – being only an hour away – to really support these professional teams, and tonight we’re here for the Hornets,” Dupre said.

In addition to season packages, the Hornets are still offering a variety of ticket deals.

&#8220I know it’s hard when you live this far away for 41 home games, but we have packages for all types of games,” Shinn said. &#8220We’ll work with you.”

The Hornets return to New Orleans after spending the past two seasons in Oklahoma City, Ok. after Hurricane Katrina.

The team played 35 home games in Oklahoma City and only six in New Orleans during the 2006-07 campaign and finished 39-43 – one win better than the previous season.

Shinn hopes the ticket sales and public relations push to promote the franchise in New Orleans will end speculation that he intends to move the Hornets to another metropolitan market.

&#8220I don’t want to move again,” he said. &#8220I’m not a young guy. I’m 66 years old. I’ve moved from Charlotte (N.C.) to here, and then I moved to Oklahoma. I don’t want to move again. We want this to end and stay right here, and we’re committed to make this work and it’s going to take an effort from everyone.”

The Hornets host Sacramento in their season-opener on Wednesday, Oct. 31.