Rivalry Between Saints, Hornets Has Grown Since Katrina

Hornets' Shinn Wishes He Had Better Relationship With Saints Owner

MORE TENSION: Additionally, the VooDoo "must yield to the Hornets on most matters." Under the Hornets' contract with the state of Louisiana, the team gets "first dibs on playing dates in the building, and its sponsors receive exclusive advertising rights for all events in the Arena." Duncan noted video boards and signage at the Arena "were topics of discussion between the teams during a meeting in December, when the Saints sought concessions from the Hornets on their exclusivity rights for sponsors." In return, the Hornets "asked for space in the rotation on the Saints-controlled boards" at the Superdome to "promote some of their upcoming events, but the sides could not reach an agreement and the issue was dropped." The Saints this season also denied a request by the Hornets seeking to obtain a field pass for G Chris Paul at the home opener. Hornets officials admitted that the pass request was "made late -- the day of the game -- but were surprised that such a simple gesture was not extended." Duncan noted that snub was "fresh in Shinn's mind a few weeks later when he ordered Arena personnel to not show" Saints QB Drew Brees on the overhead videoboard at New Orleans Arena. However, Senior Dir of Communications Harold Kaufman said Hornets VP/External Affairs Steve Martin recently met with Saints execs to "begin the process of developing community initiative partnerships." Kaufman also noted that Shinn "plans to buy Saints season tickets this season and inquire about purchasing a suite" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 4/13).

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