CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — The late ‘Big Pat’ will be honored at halftime during the Hornets’ first home game of the season on Saturday, Oct. 26 against the Miami Heat.
The legendary PA announcer tragically passed away in July and the Hornets will host a special ceremony in his honor.
Members of his family will be in attendance while a video montage of his famous calls is played during halftime. The team says there will also be a presentation of a Hornets commemorative cell featuring ‘Big Pat’s’ image and likeness that will hang on the walls of Spectrum Center.
In addition, a seat will be left open at the scorers’ table where he once sat a decal will be placed at the table in his honor for the rest of the season.
“While Big Pat won’t physically be with us at Spectrum Center this season, he will always be a very special part of the Hornets family,” Hornets Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett said. “This will be a very special halftime ceremony for our team and fans, alike, as we remember Pat’s vibrant spirit and the passion and energy he brought to the arena each and every night.”
Ahead of the start of the season, the Hornets announced Shawn Parker as the team’s new PA announcer. He served in the same capacity with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while also working at the collegiate level at Tennessee State University and George Washington University.
The Hornets open their season on the road against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, Oct. 23, before returning home for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. against the Miami Heat.