 Because of the extensive damage resulting from the hurricane , where the Hornets would play for the 2005 – 06 season came into question . Although the New Orleans Arena suffered only slight damage , the flooding surrounding the area made it impossible to use . With the training camp scheduled to begin on October 4 , the team announced that the first three weeks of camp would be held at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado , instead of their usual location , Alario Center in Westwego . Additionally the team stated that they wanted to play home games within Louisiana , at either the Pete Maravich Assembly Center or the Rivercenter in Baton Rouge . On September 3 , Hornets owner George Shinn stated that the storm would not be used as a reason to permanently relocate the franchise . 
