If you believe the rumors, Elvis Presley passed away on Aug. 16, 1977. Many people are willing to blindly accept this as fact, even though there have been hundreds of confirmed Elvis sightings since then, as first reported by several publications I faithfully read from cover-to-cover while standing in the checkout line at my neighborhood Rouses supermarket.

Well, call me skeptical that “The King” has really left the building, but I think I have darned good reason to wonder who’s really telling the truth here. In fact, I’m pretty sure I saw Elvis myself a couple weeks back, standing on the sidewalk outside of Harrah’s and waiting for the streetcar (incidentally, The Big E was wearing an autographed David West jersey, which kind of surprised me, because I’d always had him pegged as more of a Peja fan).

But anyway, I’m getting way off-topic. I didn’t stop by Swarm City today to try to convince you that Elvis is alive and well. I didn’t invite you here to complain that the Times-Picayune continues to brazenly shirk its journalistic responsibilities, by ignoring the weekly e-mails in which I explain why Elvis has chosen to spend his golden years (he’ll turn 75 years young on Friday) enjoying the good life in Orleans Parish.

No, I called this meeting because I’d like to discuss Friday’s Hornets home game against the New Jersey Nets, which is doubling as the ballclub’s “Elvis Night.” That’s right, starting at 7 p.m., your Hornets will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s Jan. 8, 1935 birth in Tupelo, Mississippi, with various fun-filled activities. It’s time for my Top 10 Reasons to Attend Elvis Night at the Hive article!

Before I get started, let’s remember not to rule out the distinct possibility of The Man himself making an appearance at the game Friday. For the purposes of this article, however, I decided to stick with events that I am 100 percent certain will take place. With that disclaimer out of the way, here are two fistfuls of good reasons why you should grace us with your presence at the New Orleans Arena on Friday:

10) Michael Conti will be there.

OK, so you may be asking, “but Hornet Henry, who is Michael Conti? Isn’t he that left-handed starting point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies?” Actually, my benevolent Creole blue supporter, Conti is one of the world’s greatest Elvis Presley impersonators. Prior to Friday’s game, Michael will be singing the national anthem. Later, he’ll perform at halftime. But just so we’re clear, he’s not actually Elvis (which reminds me, if the real Elvis is reading this, I’ll be leaving two tickets for you in Section 308 of The Balcony. You can pick ’em up at New Orleans Arena will call).

9) A free game program.

The Hornets distribute a GameTime program gratis to all fans in attendance at every game. If you’re a season ticket holder, you might even see your own smiling mug in there, as part of the Season Ticket Holder Spotlight page. Also, don’t miss a Honeybee Spotlight on Martine, one of my favorite Bees of all time.

8) The Dunking Elvises.

Normally known to you and I as the “French Quarter Flyers,” the Hornets’ awe-inspiring dunk team will wow and amaze fans with high-flying slams, this time while decked out in their best Elvis outfits.

7) A great deal for the whole family.

For the incredibly affordable price of $25, Hornets aficionados can purchase a 7Up Friends & Family Pack and attend the game. The 7Up pack features one ticket, one hot dog, one soft drink and one bag of chips. I haven’t seen a steal like this since Chris Paul had eight thefts against the T-Wolves on Dec. 4!

6) The Honeybees.

According to my confidential sources within the dance-team industry, the lovely ladies will be performing a routine to a medley of classic Elvis Presley songs. Don’t be cruel to yourself by missing out on this! (sorry, I couldn’t resist…)

5) Pregame fun.

Did you know that Zatarain’s hosts a pregame Buzz Fest party for fans outside the arena prior to every Hornets home tilt? Buzz Fest features interactive games, live entertainment and $1 beers, with the latter helping you cope more easily with the referees’ calls. Remember though, Hornet Henry always urges you to drink responsibly.

4) Soul Revival.

Speaking of Buzz Fest, one of my favorite New Orleans-area bands will be performing there, providing what the musical group themselves describes as “in-your-face funk, soul and blues from the 1960s to the present, with an occasional country rocker for good measure.” I’m guessing too that if the real Elvis shows up for Buzz Fest, Soul Revival will probably invite him on stage if there's enough time left in the show.

3) CP3.

I'm not sure if the misguided folks who keep casting ballots for less-qualified Western Conference backcourt players have noticed, but the World’s Greatest Point Guard has added another wrinkle to his game this season, ranking in the top 10 of the league in three-point shooting percentage. As if the prolific rebounding, assisting and stealing weren’t already enough, now he’s making 46 percent of his CP3balls. After I get done writing this article, I’m headed to NBA.com to vote and try to help rectify this injustice. www.nba.com/allstarballot2010/

2) Drama.

Is it just me, or have a lot of these Hornets games lately been tough on the ol’ ticker? It seems like every time we play in the Hive, I find myself biting my nails – which I’ve discovered is surprisingly difficult to do when I already have my fingers crossed. Fortunately, my prayers to the basketball gods appear to be working. Since Thanksgiving Eve, almost every home tilt has come down to the last minute. Not good for my blood pressure, but it’s made for a slew of exciting finishes.

And the Number One reason to attend Elvis Night in the Hive is… the chance to see the Hornets increase their home winning streak to six. Let’s face it, with all of these aforementioned tributes to Mr. Presley taking place throughout the evening, it might be easy for the Hornets to lose focus and get distracted from the primary task at hand. But the fellas have been nearly unbeatable in the Hive lately, going 13-3 at home this season, including 11 victories in the past 12 tries. They haven’t lost a game in NOLA since Dec. 11, a five-game string that includes quality W’s over the Nuggets, Heat and Rockets.

As you can imagine, I have complete confidence in the Hornets on their home floor, but I’ll be brimming with even more assuredness if you follow my lead and join me at the arena for Hornets vs. Nets and the memorable tribute to Elvis Presley.

OK, I think I’ve said my peace; now I’ve got to go listen to a few of my old 33-speed Elvis records and get myself ready for the big night. Geaux Hornets!