Hornets name new PA announcer to fill shoes of ‘Big Pat’

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Hornets have chosen their new public address announcer, Shawn Parker, as the team wraps up its preseason schedule.

The teams says that Parker brings a decade of experience in the entertainment industry and public address announcing. He served in the same capacity with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while also working at the collegiate level at Tennessee State University and George Washington University.

Most recently, Parker served as a game show host for “Great Big Game Show.”

He will fill the shoes of longtime PA announcer Patrick “Big Pat” Doughty, who died in July .

“We’re thrilled to welcome Shawn Parker to our Hornets family,” said Hornets Chief Marketing Officer Seth Bennett in a statement. “Shawn embodies everything we were searching for in a successor to the beloved Big Pat. His experience, unique style and personality, and passion for the game of basketball made him the perfect fit for our organization, our fans and Buzz City.”

Parker will make his official debut at Spectrum Center during the Hornets’ home opener against the Miami Heat on Oct. 26.

“I couldn’t be more ecstatic about accepting this role,” said Parker. “I’ve admired the dedication of the Charlotte fan base from afar for so long and this is an absolute dream come true. I’m proud to carry the torch forward, bring the energy, and honor the legacy that Buzz City was built on.”

Originally from Lanham, Maryland, Parker earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Maryland. He started his career in sports broadcasting in 2014, beginning at George Washington University and later taking on an additional role with the Gameday Broadcast Network – calling the play-by-play for high school sporting events in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Parker is just the latest new face in the Hornets franchise this season. He joined new head coach Charles Lee, Vice President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson and Bally Sports sideline reporter Shannon Spake. The changes come as renovations began at the Spectrum Center over the summer, and a new practice facility is on the way.

Shawn will play an integral part of our fans’ experience at Spectrum Center by providing great memories, bringing constant energy and helping to create a home court advantage for our team,” Bennett said.

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