No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis is primed to lead the New Orleans Hornets to a great 2012-13 NBA season — Photo courtesy of New Orleans Hornets

The New Orleans Hornets begin their 2012-2013 NBA schedule Wednesday, October 31st, and will play 41 total home games at the New Orleans Arena (The Hive) throughout the winter/spring.

This season marks the first under leadership of new owner Tom Benson. Benson has been the owner of the city's more heralded sports team, the Saints, since 1985. 

Benson recognizes what his Saints have meant to the community, and hopes he can mimic their success with the Hornets. The team's roster is based around last year's acquisition Eric Gordon, and a young nucleus of first-round draft picks in Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers. 

Though the Hornets have done well with ticket sales thus far (averaging 12,000 sold per game already), seats can still be purchased for most games. Buying directly from the team, you can find great seats for as low as $20. Most games include the pre-game "Buzz Fest" outside the stadium, where you can enjoy music, games and $1 beers before tip-off. 

Enjoying a Hornets game before a night out is a great way to get things started on a weekend visit to the city. The team strategically hosts many of their games on Fridays and Saturdays for this purpose. The team schedule includes two visits from Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, as well as one from the defending champion, Miami Heat.