The New Orleans Hornets/Oklahoma City Hornets announced that they will use the Sawyer Center at Southern Nazarene University as their training facility for the 2005-06 season.

“We did an exhaustive tour of all the possible facilities in the Oklahoma City region, and the Sawyer Center is a fantastic facility that exceeds all of the criteria that we had, ” said Hornets Head Coach Byron Scott. “And in addition to having a first-rate facility, Athletic Director Bobby Martin and his staff have been very accommodating. We look forward to working with them throughout the season.”

The Hornets begin training camp on October 4. They will hold practice from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1-4 on Sundays throughout camp as allowed by their preseason schedule. During the regular season, which begins on November 1 vs. Sacramento, the team will practice from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as allowed by their schedule.

"Southern Nazarene University hurts for the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast during this devastating time,” said Dr. Loren Gresham, Southern Nazarene University President. “While we are deeply sorry for the loss that has occurred because of Hurricane Katrina that has forced the New Orleans Hornets to have to make a move, we are pleased to be in a position to help. As a University, we have looked for ways to help in the recovery efforts and to be a community of support for those who have lost so much because of the recent events. We certainly look forward to working with the Hornets in this process and being a community of support for their franchise."

Founded in 1899, SNU is a private, Christian, liberal arts university and a service of the Church of Nazarene. Located on a 40 acre campus just west of Oklahoma City, SNU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

The Sawyer Center is named after former men’s basketball player Carl & Marcia Sawyer who generously donated the university’s first million dollar donation to help fund the multi-million dollar facility. It seats 5,000 for basketball and is the home for SNU basketball and volleyball. The 98,000-square foot facility is also home to Southern Nazarene University’s graduation ceremonies and host’s local high school sporting events.

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