Q: Can you tell me what it’s like being part of the most hardcore Hornets fan group around?
Sean: First off, it’s an amazing experience. We get tickets to sit in the lower bowl of the arena, allowed to stand the whole game (which isn’t usually the case in the lower bowl, for those who have sat lower before), cheer/chant for the team we all love, and be around other fans just as crazy as we are. Coming up on our 3rd season together, we have some veterans who are just like family to me, it’s great.
Q: You’re about as experienced a Bee-Zanie as they come. What advice would you give to those who are trying out for the first time?
Sean: DO. NOT. HOLD. BACK. Seriously though, we’re looking for some of the craziest Hornets fans who want to give it their all for 4 straight quarters, win or lose, why wouldn’t you give it your all for a 30 second-minutes tryout? A common misconception of our group and question I always get is, “Do I need to be in a costume or have a character?” The answer to that, nope, but we do require our members to have Hornets gear on or a Bee Zanies t-shirt (which will be given to all accepted members)
Q: Is there anything in particular that you think the judges are looking for?
Sean: I know this is probably understood, but showing up in Hornets stuff is always a plus. In the past, the judges have shown interest in those possessing originality with their tryouts, either by costume, song (rap), or chant. We’re always trying to better our squad, so original chants are always welcomed.
Q: I assume that sometimes when you go home thinking, “We (the Bee-Zanies) really a played a key role in that win”. Is that true?
Sean: I think the atmosphere in the Arena can really dictate the energy our team plays with. You always hear about the Mercedes Benz Superdome being an intimidating place to play because of our fans and I don’t see why we can’t make the New Orleans Arena just as menacing. The Bee Zanies are just a piece of that puzzle, we’re out there to cheer for our team no matter the outcome. The couple of times I’ve had the chance to meet some players, they always have something positive to say about our group and what we bring to the arena. One game that stands out in my mind when talking about the impact the Bee Zanies can have on the game/crowd was the Lakers/Hornets playoff game in 2011, the final game we saw CP3 play in a Hornets jersey. The game was in control by the Lakers to close us out and in the final minute we began to chant “THANK YOU HORNETS” and the whole arena chanted with us, it was awesome. It was even mentioned in an ESPN article recapping the game, “But one thing was clear as the fans in New Orleans rained down a “thank you Hornets” chant on their team at the end of that game — New Orleans has some passionate fans that love that team.” -ESPN