New Orleans drop Hornets and become Pelicans

Tom Benson, owner of the New Orleans Pelicans, speaks at a press conference to announce the name change from the New Orleans Hornets to the New Orleans Pelicans at the New Orleans Arena on January 24, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Stacy Revere/Getty Images/AFP

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana–The New Orleans’ National Basketball Association team officially adopted their new moniker Thursday, becoming known as the Pelicans.

“We have been looking forward to this day since we announced the Pelicans as the new name,” said owner Tom Benson.

“The Pelican is a symbol for our city and region and we’re excited to start a new era in Louisiana basketball history. This offseason is going to be a special time for the Pelicans.”

The name change from the Hornets to the Pelicans was originally announced three months ago but didn’t become official until the end of the 2012-13 season in which they missed the playoffs.

The franchise will operate as the Pelicans at next month’s NBA draft lottery.