Hornets use of practice center complicated by conflicts

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A plan to secure a suburban sports and meeting complex as the New Orleans Hornets practice facility may take longer than planned because of negotiations about how much the state will have to pay Jefferson Parish to compensate for lost revenues.

While the Hornets, the NBA and the state said several months ago that the team would return full-time to New Orleans for the 2007-08 season, the Hornets preferred practice site, the Alario Center in Westwego, has continued to book events.

There are now nearly 30 event scheduled at the facility that would conflict with the Hornets’ needs during summer workouts, training camp and practices during next season.

The Hornets first use of the facility could come as early as next month as the team works out prospects in advance of the June 28 NBA Draft.

Tim Coulon, chairman of the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commission, said he now hopes to hash out a plan with Parish President Aaron Broussard next week.

“The state has an obligation to provide the temporary training facility for the Hornets, and we fully expect to have to compensate the parish for loss of revenue and possible future loss of revenue,” Coulon said.

Coulon declined to estimate how much the state would be required to pay the parish.

Broussard did not immediately return a phone message on Thursday.

During the Hornets’ first three seasons in New Orleans, the team was the primary tenant at the Alario Center and other events could be held there only when the Hornets did not need the space.

“You can say we were delinquent or late in discussions, but our staff has a multitude of issues that we deal with,” Coulon said. “And remember, our goal post-Katrina was to continue to have two major-league franchises, and no one thought we could have even one.”

“The Saints and Hornets have different issues, different complexities,” Coulon added. “At the same time, we are trying to deal with the restoration of the Superdome and other issues.”

Last week, a state government panel in Baton Rouge approved $1.5 million for planning and construction of a proposed, permanent training center for the Hornets that would be attached to the New Orleans Arena. But officials have said those practice courts are not expected to be built until the 2008-2009 season at the earliest.