As soon as the Pelicans changed their name from the Hornets, Charlotte fans immediately started campaigning to bring the name back to its rightful home. Owner Michael Jordan heard their voice and put it into motion on May 21, 2013 applying for the name change from Bobcats back to the Hornets. Almost exactly a year later, the fans got what they wanted. If you remember correctly, the team originally moved from Charlotte to New Orleans, Charlotte got another team (the Bobcats), N.O. changed their name to the Pelicans, now the Bobcats have become the Hornets again.
It’s confusing, we know.
“Today is truly an historic day for our franchise, our city and our fans as we mark the official return of the Charlotte Hornets. Thanks to our fans who were the driving force behind the Hornets name returning.” – Michael Jordan
The website is already revamped, flaunting the new logo and a long list of events scheduled to get fans excited about the upcoming season. Take a look at a few below:
June 5 Hugo the Hornet will make his triumphant return to Charlotte.
June 9 The Hornets will hold a full-staff day of service at Hornets Nest Elementary School along with Lowe’s and Fox Sports Carolinas/SportSouth. Employees from all three organizations will complete various beautification and refurbishment projects at the school, as well as delivering Hornets Thank You kits to all 9,600 teachers at 160 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
June 19 Hornets team uniforms for the 2014-15 NBA season will be officially revealed.
June 26 Hornets new playing floor design unveiled at Time Warner Cable Arena.
July 11-21 The Charlotte Hornets name returns to NBA action at the 2014 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas
October 2014 The Hornets will host the inaugural Buzz Fest, a multi-day fan festival celebrating the beginning of the 2014-15 NBA season and return of the Hornets name. This interactive event will feature Hornets legends and current players, autograph and photo stations, basketball games, skills challenges, musical acts and more.
The announcement brings back memories of some great years in the franchise’s history where legends Alonzo Mourning and Larry “Grand Ma-Ma” Johnson gave the city some exciting times. On the court, the team is improving as well so maybe Michael Jordan isn’t as bad an owner as many had him labeled as. Even if just for a moment, Charlotte fans love and appreciate what he is doing.
Remember when Kobe Bryant was a Hornet for 13 seconds?