Planners believe the All-Stars' arrival could provide a lift in those areas, through charitable events that could be organized with the NBA, players or sponsors.
"Those events can be geared toward recovery efforts, so I think it can do nothing but help," Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation president Jay Cicero said. "Having a big event in New Orleans helps our economy, helps our citizens, helps our businesses, helps everyone."
Stern sees the Hornets' return as part of that, too. He said he has visited with potential investors and sponsors, season-ticket and suite holders.
"We'd love to be part of the rebirth and vibrancy of that community rather than something that is an exception to what's going on," Stern said.
Cicero was among about 15 officials from the arena, the sports foundation, the convention and visitors bureau and the police department that traveled to Las Vegas this week to study the event they'll be trying to replicate next year. The Hornets, who have been playing most of their home games in Oklahoma City since the hurricane, also sent a delegation.
Cicero said even "as big and as great as Las Vegas is," space availability in New Orleans will allow planners the chance to make the event bigger next year. The convention center has set aside about twice as much room as there was available for this year's NBA Jam Session fan event. Plus, the Louisiana Superdome could play an undetermined role for All-Star weekend 2008.
"As much as you can prepare, seeing it first-hand and meeting with the people that actually do the work gives you a better feel of what the NBA wants," Cicero said.
That research will be a major step toward planning for next year, allowing organizers to envision where the weekend events that surround the All-Star Game will fit best in New Orleans. NBA spokeswoman Maureen Coyle said the next step is to hold planning meetings, beginning in March.
For now, organizers haven't decided where parties and other activities will be held in New Orleans or how to stamp the city's unique flavor on the event. But visitors will surely be able to experience Crescent City cuisine, brass bands and riverboat parties even if they're not part of the official event.
"There are just things that are part of New Orleans that become part of the fun side of hosting an event like this that we don't have to invent," Curl said.
Ross Devonport 
