UPTOWN AND CAROWINDS ARE TWO STRONGEST SITES FOR THE HORNETS

     The Hornets' analysis of a team-commissioned 10-month study
indicates Carowinds and uptown are the two best locations to
build a new privately owned arena, according to the CHARLOTTE
BUSINESS JOURNAL.  Hornets President Spencer Stolpen said the
report from Toronto-based Stadium Consultants International Inc.
does not eliminate any particular area, but a team source says
the Carowinds amusement park is the early favorite because of its
ability to appeal to both NC and SC, the fact that parking is
already in place, and that it is not used during the winter when
the Hornets play.  Stolpen says Stadium Consultants has now been
hired to start exploring hard costs associated with land
acquisition and taxes for each site.  Erik Spanberg writes that
the uptown location has support among the city's corporate
leaders, but according to Stadium Consultants' Murray Beynon,
"The perception of a crime problem uptown is an impediment"
(CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL, 12/11 issue).