The Hornets so far this season are "lagging their sellout and attendance pace from recent seasons," and team execs "point to a slow start on the court as the culprit," according to Erik Spanberg of the CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL. Through 20 of 41 home games, the Hornets have "reported average attendance of 16,687 per game" at the 19,000-capacity Spectrum Center. That figure trails the '16-17 full-season figure of 17,333 by 2.8%. The NBA average through Wednesday was 17,805 per game, meaning the Hornets "fall 5.6% below the league mark." The Hornets enter Friday's game against the Warriors at 12-22, tied for 12th in the Eastern Conference. Hornets Exec VP and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Pete Guelli said that the overall popularity of the NBA has "helped the Hornets despite a disappointing start." Games against the Celtics, Warriors and Cavaliers are "among the star-laden teams that have contributed to four sellouts so far for the Hornets." Upcoming visits by the Thunder and 76ers "should also help." Guelli said that the Hornets "need to start winning to generate more sales for weeknight games, particularly when the opponent is more anonymous." Spanberg noted the team "sold out 13 home games two years ago and 10 last season," but with "four so far this season, it’s unlikely the Hornets will reach double digits again." The Hornets next month "will begin season ticket renewals, considered the lifeblood of any sports team." They have 11,000 season tickets sold and, "when factoring in partial plans, 12,000 full-season equivalents" for '16-17 (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/28).
