Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the New Orleans Hornets

[4] Additionally the team stated that they wanted to play home games within Louisiana, at either the Pete Maravich Assembly Center or the Rivercenter in Baton Rouge.

[5] By September 10, the prospect of securing a Baton Rouge location to host the Hornets was fading as a result of the facilities being utilized for hurricane related relief operations.

[17] The Hornets had finished last in attendance in the previous season in New Orleans,[18] but playing in Ford Center, they averaged 18,168 fans, a 78% increase.

[19] Referring to the fan support in Oklahoma City, Hornets star Chris Paul said that "You get a feeling you're a part of something special"; mayor Mick Cornett said, "My expectations were lofty, but we've exceeded them.

"[20] All repair work on the New Orleans Arena was finished by March 2006, and a new scoreboard and video displays were added during the process.

[21] In June 2006, Shinn stated he was pleased with the ongoing recovery process in New Orleans and again reaffirmed his desire to permanently return for the 2007–08 season.

However, the Hornets also announced that they were in the process of negotiating with Oklahoma City to play the 2007–08 season at the Ford Center as a contingency plan.