When members of an NBA relocation committee begin their evaluation of New Orleans today, Hornets co-owner Ray Wooldridge will try to hammer home two points: that season-ticket sales are sufficient to justify a move from Charlotte, N.C., and that the Louisiana version of the team will draw from a regional base.

"We know all the reports that have been written about New Orleans from outside consultants, and we have our own," Wooldridge said. "We also know what Charlotte has not done, and we know what we have to have to be a viable team. New Orleans has all those assets."

Wooldridge and co-owner George Shinn think New Orleans is ready to become home to a n NBA team again, more than two decades after the Jazz left for Salt Lake City. They say fans and businesses in the region have done enough in the past six weeks to show that they sincerely want a team.

In its season-ticket and suite campaign that began Jan. 23, the Hornets have received deposits on 8,121 season tickets, including 1,100 club seats and 55 suites. The Charlotte Coliseum, where the team currently plays, has only 12 suites.

The franchise had set a goal of selling at least 8,000 season tickets, 54 suites and 2,450 club seats in New Orleans by March 15.

Although it fell short of that goal, the owners still plan to start playing their home games in the New Orleans Arena in October. "We're pleased," Shinn said.

Before that can happen, however, Shinn and Wooldridge, along with local and state officials, must convince the other NBA owners.

Showtime

NBA Commissioner David Stern and the relocation committee of seven NBA owners arrive in New Orleans today for a one-day visit that will help them evaluate the city's bid.

To make their pitch, Shinn and Wooldridge will be joined by nearly two dozen community and business leaders and city and state officials, including Gov. Foster.

The day will start with a one-hour tour of the arena, followed by a 1 ?-hour meeting with local leaders at a downtown office building. Their presentation will include a video highlighting business development in the region. Also, there will be a 15-minute video conference with U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu and John Breaux, both D-La., and U.S. Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-Chackbay.

After lunch, the committee will have private discussions with Shinn and Wooldridge.

"We are going to follow the process involved," said Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo, who is chairman of the committee. "This is our opportunity to see the facility and hear the leadership of the community."

Team and local officials are eager to show that the team's corporate support is sufficient and that the region's population and the size of the television market will be comparable to other NBA cities.

"I think when we finish making our presentation and put the exclamation point on it, they're going to feel very good about us," said state Rep. Mitch Landrieu, D-New Orleans.

The big picture

The Hornets plan to promote the team within a 75-mile radius of New Orleans in hopes of cultivating a market more attractive to the league. In that vein, local leaders will give the committee an economic glimpse of Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast as well as New Orleans.

State officials are going to discuss the state's lease agreement with the Hornets and its projected economic development. Another advantage they plan to emphasize is the New Orleans Arena, including upgraded locker rooms if the Hornets' move is approved.

"I think the thing we're going to focus on is our strengths," said Doug Thornton, general manager of New Orleans Arena. "We have the debt-free New Orleans Arena, and what's also impressive about this is that everybody has come together in a big way over the last three months."

The New Orleans Saints will be involved in the presentation with the business and community leaders. Saints owner Tom Benson and Director of Administration Arnold Fielkow could not attend the meeting because they are in Orlando, Fla., for NFL owners' meetings, but Mike Feder, Saints director of regional sales and marketing, will represent the team in its support for the Hornets.

'In denial'

The committee will make its recommendation to the NBA's Board of Governors on April 8, with a vote scheduled for April 9. Fifteen of the 29 owners must approve the plan.

Charlotte officials haven't given up hope of keeping the team, however. At a meeting Monday, the City Council voted 9-1 to rescind a requirement in its new arena plan requiring that the Hornets have new owners if they are to play in the building. The ultimatum was a late insertion on Feb. 11, the day the council voted 8-3 in favor of the $231 million arena plan. It was heavily criticized by the NBA.

Wooldridge said the move doesn't matter.

"What is the rationale?" he said "They are in denial. The whole city is in denial."