Hornets' first game, November 4, 1988

    Opening night November 4, 1988 was a formal affair - tuxedos, evening gowns, spotlight introductions. It was the Hornets' home debut and standing in a tunnel connecting the court to the team locker rooms NBA commissioner David Stern marveled at the sellout. The Charlotte Coliseum, with 23,000-plus seats, was designed to attract ACC and NCAA tournaments. Stern was initially concerned it was too big to create demand for tickets. Everything about that night was perfect except, well, the game itself. The Cleveland Cavaliers thumped the expansion Hornets by a score of 133-93. As the beaten players started walking toward the tunnel something remarkable happened - a spontaneous standing ovation from the fans - long, warm and sincere. - Rick Bonnell, Charlotte Observer Sports Columnist

Hey, have you downloaded our new Hornets app?  Click here: Hornets app

'A booklet of Charlotte Hornets season tickets features an oversized first game ticket, as well as full color photographs of opponents on tickets for each game.'    

  'George Shinn addresses the crowd before the start of the Charlotte Hornets game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.'  Bob Jordan/Staff

'On Nov. 4, 1988, the Hornets opened their first regular season with a game against
 the Cleveland Cavaliers.' Bob Leverone/Staff

'Kurt Rambis runs onto the court to recieve a high-five from Muggsy Bogues 

during opening night game of the Hornets.' 

Jim Gund/Staff

 'Opening night. Charlotte became a big-league city when the Hornets took the court on Nov. 4, 1988. A 40-point loss couldn't prevent a standing ovation.' Staff

--------------------

Front page, November 4, 1988

-------------------

1988-1989 Roster

Brian Rowsom

Robert Reid

Rex Chapman

Muggsy Bogues

Earl Cureton

Dell Curry

Dave Hoppen

Michael Holton

Tim Kempton

Kurt Rambis

Kelly Tripucka

Ricky Green

Ralph Lewis