Hornets' first uniforms

   Going to a Hornets game in the '80s and '90s meant wearing as much purple and teal as possible.  The whole city came together for the team! Here's a look back.

 'Charlotte Hornets Kelly Tripucka argues a call with an official during game action at the Charlotte Coliseum. Alexander Julian designed the uniform for the Charlotte Hornets that were teal with pinstripes and had pleats in the shorts.' Undated. JEFF SINER/Staff

'George Shinn has to stand on a chair to have his picture taken with 6'10" Alonzo Mourning.'
Mourning as a new Charlotte Hornet, 1992.

1992. Deidra Laird/Staff

'DEJA VU: Charlotte Hornets fans will get another opportunity to see Kendall Gill soar to the basket in a Hornets uniform. Gill was traded from Seattle to the Hornets for Hersey Hawkins and David Wingate.' With Boston's Kevin Gamble.  1995. BOB LEVERONE/Staff

Kelly Tripucka at the Charlotte Coliseum. 1988. Staff photo.

I'm guessing this is a photo illustration due to top hat in his hand. And the limo. And the chauffeur.

'New Charlotte Hornets forward Anthony Mason, left, holds his jersey up as team owner George Shinn looks on during a news conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday Aug. 27, 1996. Mason was acquired from the New York Knicks with Brad Lohaus for Hornets forward Larry Johnson.' (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

'Charlotte Hornets forward Kelly Tripucka models Alexander Julian's new travel uniform for the NBA expansion team as the designer looks on during a news conference at Mickey Mantle's restaurant in New York, July 20, 1988. Julian, a North Carolina native, declined monetary payment for his work, opting instead for a monthly shipment of North Carolina barbecue.' (AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler)

  'PURPLE PASSION? The Charlotte Hornets will wear these purple uniforms for at least 12 road games next season. Replicas will be available to the public starting in November.' 1994. Gary O'Brien/Staff

Warm ups suits!
'Opening night introductions, November 4, 1988.' The first official NBA game. Charlotte Coliseum.

Jim Gund/Staff

Is that Muggsy Bogues giving a high five to Kurt Rambis? I can't make out the rest.