Hoopfest puts on the largest three-on-three tournament the world has to offer. Each year, Spokane attracts thousands of people to come enjoy the festivities. Although it is a basketball tournament, not everyone is there to play basketball. The entirety of the downtown district of Spokane gets shut down and the streets are filled with yellow tape and basketball hoops. People are there to watch, play and walk around to bask in the glory of the weekend. As the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Hoopfest attracts thousands of people every year. Over 7,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 visitors, and 450 courts. All of this happens in the span of 42 city blocks in the downtown area of Spokane, Washington. The teams consist of four players, which means over 28,000 people compete every year! Games are 20 minutes long or first to 20 points, whichever comes first. Teams compete for two kinds of shirts: the "champions" shirt, or, my personal favorite, the "king of the losers" shirt. The "king of the losers" shirt goes to the winner of the consolation bracket or 13th place. Win or lose, the point of the weekend is to have fun and play basketball.
The event takes place at the end of June, which means the weather is normally quite hot. Make sure to bring lots of sunscreen and water for hydration. If you do end up getting dehydrated or the sun gets to you, there are health and safety tents around and a big medical center not too far away in the Riverfront park.
Also, be well researched so you always know what's going on. There is a division for all sorts of players, all age groups, and all level of players. Divisions run from recreational skill up to the elite division. There isn't any judgment when it comes to playing. All are welcome to play and all can find a league that suits their style. There are youth recreation and competitive leagues that are for boys and girls or mix. Teens and adults get the option to play recreation, competitive, or elite-level basketball. The top court, Center Court, is where the elite men and women play. These teams have to have won an elite division before the upcoming Hoopfest.
One of the greatest parts about Hoopfest is the fact that it's a judgment-free zone. People wear crazy outfits -- the funnier the outfit, the more popular it becomes.
There are other events held throughout Hoopfest, as well. The dunk contest is a popular option, as well as the half-court shot to win a car. The event has also attracted big names in the past, the most recent being Kareem Abdul Jabar, which can be exciting. Many restaurants and food vendors take advantage of the rush of people coming into town for the weekend so they set up shop in the park and at street corners throughout downtown. You are sure to find a tasty bite to eat anywhere you go. My personal favorite Hoopfest treat is the Hawaiian shaved ice (which I highly recommend). After an exhausting game in the heat on the hot asphalt, I go on a hunt for something cold. The Hawaiian shaved ice never fails to cool me down as I continue to walk through the people-filled streets. The huge variety gives you the chance to find your own favorite snack that you can look forward to for next time.
With the large crowds of basketball-loving fans, amazing food found throughout the streets, and life-saving Hawaiian ices, Hoopfest makes for one hell of a weekend!
