HORNETS HAVEN'T HONED IN ON NEW HIVE SITE

     Hornets representatives conceded that a new arena built in
downtown Charlotte would be best for the city but an arena in SC,
near Paramount's Carowinds, "would cost less," according to this
morning's CHARLOTTE OBSERVER.  Though Hornets President Spencer
Stolpen said the team was not indicating a preference, but added
any new home "would be privately funded."  The Hornets have six
years left on their lease with the city-owned Coliseum, which the
team maintains "has many failings," including "seats too far from
the court, too few suites, too few premier seats and too little
concourse area to sell items to spectators."  Yesterday, team
officials "didn't ask the city for any gifts ... and council
members didn't offer any."  The city will hire its own consultant
"who will report to the council within about 30 days."  Hornets
officials plan to make a decision by summer or fall (Jeffrey
Ball, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 2/27).