New Orleans — The New Orleans Hornets will hold their 2005 Draft Party, presented by Citadel Broadcasting and The Times-Picayune, at the New Orleans Arena on Tuesday, June 28th beginning at 5:30 p.m. This event is FREE of charge and open to fans of all ages.

A star-studded lineup featuring Hugo, the Honeybees, and Hornets’ 2004 First Round draft pick J.R. Smith will participate with fans in on-court games and activities. Face painters, balloon artists and caricature artists will also be on-hand, and a number of door prizes and enter-to-win contests will be held throughout the evening. The NBA Draft will be shown live on the scoreboard in the New Orleans Arena, and a live feed from the “Draft Room” will give fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Hornets basketball operations staff as it works through the draft. Citadel Broadcasting stations, WODT 1280 AM, WWL 870 AM and select affiliates from around the region will also broadcast live from the Draft Party.

Highlighting the evening’s many contests is the Times-Picayune Draft Pick contest, in which fans are asked to predict the correct order of the first five players chosen in the Draft. The winner will receive a behind the scenes tour of the arena, a Hornets gift pack worth $500, attendance at the Draft Day press conference and a signed Hornets jersey from the team’s first round draft pick.

Parking at the Superdome is free, and concession stands will be open for the purchase of food and beverages. Hornets sales representatives will also be on-hand to answer questions regarding season tickets and assist with seat selection throughout the New Orleans Arena.