Hornets will play majority of games in Oklahoma City

The New Orleans team reached an agreement for 35 games in Oklahoma and six in Baton Rouge, La.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Chased from their home by Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Hornets have found a temporary refuge and a fresh start.

The Hornets announced plans Wednesday to play 35 home games in Oklahoma City and six others in Baton Rouge, La., after a relocation agreement was approved by the city council in Oklahoma City.

The New Orleans Arena sustained extensive water damage from the hurricane and will take months to repair. But even if New Orleans is ready to welcome the team back before the 2005-06 season ends, the Hornets are locked into their 35 dates at the 19,675-seat Ford Center.

The team will alter its home jerseys so they read "Hornets" on the front. The road jerseys will feature the words "New Orleans," but a patch on the shoulder will recognize Oklahoma City. In standings and statistics, the NBA plans to call the team the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

Playoff games also would be played in Oklahoma City, and the Hornets will have the option to stay for an extra year.

"This whole thing is somewhat bittersweet," Hornets owner George Shinn said. "I've got a fine line to walk. I want to be enthusiastic to the people here and let them know I'm proud and that we're going to make this thing work. I also want to make sure that people in New Orleans have hope because they've gone through a lot."