Charlotte considers reviving Hornets name

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 24 (UPI) -- The Charlotte Bobcats asked season ticket holders their opinion on picking up the old Hornets nickname now that New Orleans is changing its team moniker.

New Orleans is reportedly changing its name to the Pelicans, which means the Hornets name it sported when the franchise was based in Charlotte, N.C., will be available.

The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said Thursday a questionnaire sent to Bobcats season ticket owners this week asked if fans would be more inclined to attend games if the team reverted to its old-school Charlotte Hornets name.

The Hornets played in Charlotte from 1988-2002 when the franchise moved to New Orleans. Now the New Orleans ownership has decided to adopt a name more suited to the Crescent City and Louisiana, which calls itself the Pelican State.

There has been sentiment among some Charlotte fans in recent year to somehow bring the Hornets name back to the Carolinas. The Observer said a die-hard contingent of fans has mounted a grassroots drive called "Bring Back the Buzz," to revive the Hornets name. Several hundred fans took part in a rally of sorts in the upper deck during Saturday's home game against Sacramento.