NEW ORLEANS -- The Charlotte Hornets began accepting season
ticket deposits in New Orleans on Wednesday, hoping a strong response
will help the NBA team's attempt to leave North Carolina.
Residents and businesses must buy at least 10,500 tickets and 54
luxury suites by March 15 or the Hornets can nullify their
agreement to move to the New Orleans Arena. Meeting those goals
also would strengthen the case for the move, which must be approved
by a majority of NBA team owners.
An advertising campaign will begin next week to draw more season
ticket buyers, said Doug Thornton, the arena's general manager.
The team requires a $250 deposit from those who order tickets
for the team's 41-game home schedule. The deposit is refundable
only if the team does not move to New Orleans.
Prices begin at $795.50, or $18.50 per ticket, for an upper
level seat behind a basket. Mid-priced tickets range from
$1,225.50, or $28.50 per ticket, to $2,365, or $55 for a
lower-level corner seat.
Courtside season tickets cost $10,750, or $250 per ticket. Club
seats range from $3,870, $90 per ticket, to $5375, or $125 per
ticket.
Bill Curl, spokesman for the Louisiana Superdome, said the
cheapest tickets available -- though not available as season tickets
-- would be single game tickets for $7 and $10.
The state Legislature also must approve the deal, which includes
millions of dollars in improvements to the state-owned arena,
before the Hornets can move to New Orleans.
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