Hornets to open season at home vs. Spurs on Oct. 31
NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Hornets open the regular season at home Oct. 31 when they take on Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs.
The Hornets’ first road game comes Nov. 3, when they play the Chicago Bulls.
“Everyone in our organization, our city and our region is excited to get this season under way,” Hornets owner Tom Benson said.
“We can’t wait to strive toward our goal of being a champion and for our wonderful fans in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana to experience the thrilling, non-stop excitement of Hornets basketball in person at the New Orleans Arena.”
The Hornets play six of their first nine games at home, including a game against defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City on Nov. 16.
The Hornets will appear on national television twice this season, both times on ESPN. Their first game is against the Philadelphia 76ers at home on Nov. 7.
The second ESPN game will showcase the first meeting between Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers and his son, Hornets rookie guard Austin Rivers, when the Hornets travel to play the Celtics on Jan. 16.
Vasquez to White House
WASHINGTON — New Orleans Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez will be one of nine people honored in the Champions of Change Program at the White House on Friday.
The program honors those who have exemplified extraordinary successes and efforts toward the development of their countries or communities.
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Vasquez received his degree in communications from Maryland in 2010. After being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, Vasquez devoted much of his time to youth sports camps in Venezuela and was invited to partner with the U.S. State Department in their “Sports Diplomacy” program to help foster improved relations between the two countries.
The Champions of Change program is part of President Barack Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for their work to serve and strengthen their communities.
Select-a-seat event set
NEW ORLEANS — Hornets fans will have the chance to choose from the best available seat locations for the 2012-13 season by attending the Hornets’ Select-a-Seat event at the New Orleans Arena on Saturday. The event will from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and will mark the first chance fans will have to select seats in person after the release of the 2012-13 NBA schedule.
Fans can select their seats for season-ticket packages, as well as half-season and 12-game plans.
For more information, fans can visit www.Hornets.com or by calling 504-525-HOOP.