The Ultimate Guide to Hoopfest in Spokane - 33rd Square (2024)

Hi there! As a home improvement expert who also loves streaming and gaming, I wanted to provide you with the ultimate guide to Hoopfest. This annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Spokane is the perfect collision of sports competition and community fun – two things I‘m passionate about!

Let me walk you through everything you need to know to fully enjoy this iconic event.

A Deeper Dive into Hoopfest

As I mentioned, Hoopfest is the world‘s biggest outdoor 3-on-3 tournament held right in downtown Spokane every summer. Here are some more details:

• 30+ Years Strong: Hoopfest first started back in 1990 with just 718 teams. It‘s grown exponentially to over 6,500 teams today.

• Global Reach: Teams come from as far as China and New Zealand to compete. In 2019, participants represented 42 U.S. states and 8 countries.

• All Ages Welcome: Divisions range from youth to age 80+. Anyone can play at Hoopfest!

• Massive Economic Impact: Hoopfest generates around $40 million in revenue for Spokane annually. Hotels, restaurants and shops reap the benefits.

• Charity Support: Registration fees help raise over $50,000 each year for Hoopfest charity partners through the Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Getting the Inside Scoop on Hoopfest Schedule

Let‘s get into the tournament nitty gritty, shall we? As a gamer, I know how importantschedules and details are. Here‘s everything you need to know about when Hoopfest happens:

• Annual Late June Event: Hoopfest always takes place the last weekend in June each year.

• 2023 Dates: June 24-25, 2023 are the official dates this year. Mark your calendars!

• Two Full Days: Tourney action spans Saturday morning through Sunday evening.

Saturday Schedule:

• 8:00AM – Games start
• 8:00PM – Final games wrap up

Sunday Schedule:

• 8:00AM – Games resume
• 7:00PM – Championship finals conclude

So in summary – be prepared for two long days of nonstop hoops! The games go all day.

Expected Number of Games Per Team

One question teams always want answered – how many games will we get to play? Here‘s the breakdown:

• Guaranteed Games: Every registered team is ensured a minimum of two games.

• Potential for More: Teams could play up to four games based on continued wins.

• Reaching the Finals: If your team makes it all the way to the final championship, then you‘ll play four total games.

So bring your best on the court! The more victories, the more time playing under the bright lights.

The Coveted Hoopfest Prizes

While bragging rights are the ultimate prize, let‘s discuss the actual physical prizes for Hoopfest champions:

• Hoopfest Swag: All division winners receive shirts, backpacks, basketballs, mugs and more.

• Elite Division Perks: These division champs win $2,000 and runners-up get $1,000.

• The Real Prize: Let‘s be honest – no money matches the feeling and reputation boost of being crowned the best 3-on-3 team in the world!

Time to start dreaming about holding that trophy!sidebars to enhance readability. The tone will be friendly yet informative to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to maximize their Hoopfest experience.

Hoopfest is the world‘s largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament held annually in Spokane, Washington. With over 6,500 teams and more than 20,000 participants, this massive event transforms downtown Spokane into a giant basketball court for one weekend each summer. If you‘re looking to get in on the action at this iconic streetball competition, here is everything you need to know!

An Overview of Hoopfest

Hoopfest was established in 1990 and has grown exponentially over the past 30+ years. Occurring on the final weekend of June, the tournament welcomes teams from across the U.S. and even internationally. Players range from recreational athletes to current and former college and NBA stars.

The competition spans two days, with games taking place on over 450 courts spread across 42 downtown city blocks. Matchups are 3-on-3 battles played until a team scores 21 points with a 2-point margin or 11 points with a 1-point margin.

In addition to the thousands of teams, Hoopfest also draws around 50,000 spectators throughout the weekend. The electric atmosphere and community feel are a huge part of what makes Hoopfest so special.

Tournament Schedule

The 2023 Hoopfest tournament takes place on June 24-25.

Saturday, June 24:

• 8:00 AM – Games begin
• 8:00 PM – Final games wrap up

Sunday, June 25:

• 8:00 AM – Games resume
• 7:00 PM – Championship games conclude and tournament ends

Games can go as late as 8:00 PM on Saturday, while Sunday night games typically finish up around 7:00 PM. If you‘re still playing past the official end times, officials will allow games to conclude before clearing the courts.

How Many Games Will Your Team Play?

Every registered team is guaranteed to play a minimum of two games at Hoopfest. However, the more you win, the more you get to play!

Teams that keep winning could potentially play up to four competitive games throughout the tournament. If your team makes it all the way to the finals, then you‘ll play the full four games.

The number of games comes down to your team‘s skill and a bit of luck with matchups in the bracket. Bring your A-game and hope for deep run!

Hoopfest Prize Overview

The coveted prizes at Hoopfest are bragging rights and the title of Hoopfest Champion. However, winning teams do take home plenty of great Hoopfest swag and gear.

Champions of each division receive an official Hoopfest Champions t-shirt and a Championship Bundle that includes:

• 22" Hoopfest Championship Game Basketball
• Hoopfest Championship Backpack
• Hoopfest Champions Coffee Mug
• Hoopfest Championship Polo Shirt

The elite division also awards cash prizes, with champions taking home $2,000 and runners-up earning $1,000.

Of course, the real prize is having the claim as the best 3-on-3 basketball team in the world!

Where to Watch Hoopfest Games

Since Hoopfest takes place simultaneously across dozens of courts, there is no live TV broadcast or stream of the event. Spectators simply walk around downtown Spokane and take in a variety of live game action.

Some media outlets provide previews, highlights, interviews and recap coverage of Hoopfest each year. Check online sources or your local Spokane news stations during and after the tournament weekend.

What Should You Pack for Hoopfest?

Make sure you‘re prepared for a long weekend of outdoor basketball with these Hoopfest packing essentials:

• Comfortable athletic clothes: Lightweight, breathable shirts, shorts and socks. Be ready for any weather with layers.

• Basketball shoes: Your most supportive pair for nonstop play. Break them in before the tournament.

• Water bottle: Stay hydrated! Bring a large water bottle and replenish often.

• Sunscreen: Apply throughout the day, even if it seems cloudy.

• Hat or visor: Keep the sun out of your eyes.

• Healthy snacks: Granola, protein bars, bananas, etc. to stay fueled.

• Phone + portable charger: For meetups with friends/team and taking photos.

• Cash: For food, drinks or souvenirs from vendors. Many go cashless now though.

• Extra contacts/glasses: Bring extras in case of loss during play.

Come prepared to play hard and have an amazing time at the world‘s biggest streetball fest!

Hoopfest Check-In Details

Check-in for Hoopfest takes place at the Hoopfest Headquarters:

Address: 930 N. Washington St., Spokane, WA 99201

Dates/Times:

• Friday, June 23: 1:00pm – 8:30pm
• Saturday, June 24: 6:00am – 8:30pm
• Sunday, June 25: 6:00am – Noon

Bring your confirmation for online registration or ID if you registered by mail. You‘ll receive your t-shirts, court assignments and other check-in materials.

Arrive well before your first game time! It‘s recommended to check in at least 1 hour prior to allow time to park, check-in, change and get to your court.

Getting to the Hoopfest Courts

While certain areas of downtown Spokane are closed to vehicles during Hoopfest, there are still plenty of parking options nearby. Many choose to take public transportation as well.

Parking: Look for downtown street parking or use parking garages and lots. Arrive early, as spots fill up fast on tournament days!

Spokane Transit: Use the STA bus system to get downtown. Hoopfest participants ride free by showing their wristband.

Rideshares: Drop off and pick up at designated rideshare locations around the perimeter of the event.

Biking: Bike racks are available downtown. Lock up securely.

Food and Entertainment at Hoopfest

Hoopfest isn‘t just about the games on the court. Enjoy food vendors, sponsor attractions, concerts, contests and more throughout the weekend!

Food: Tasty fare from food trucks and snack vendors located around downtown. Plus, downtown Spokane restaurants are closeby.

Entertainment: Gaming and sponsor attractions with contests, raffles, giveaways and performances on outdoor stages. Enjoy between matchups!

Hoopfest Hoopla: 3-point shooting and dunk contests with cash prizes.

Beer Gardens: Grab drinks from local breweries and unwind while enjoying music.

Tips for Hoopfest Players

Ready to compete at the premier 3-on-3 tournament? Use these tips to prep:

• Get in shape: Train several weeks in advance to build endurance for short bursts of intense play.

• Practice together: Gain chemistry with teammates through training sessions.

• Stretch: Loosen muscles before and after games to prevent injury.

• Tape ankles: Help stabilize ankles during cuts and jumps.

• Wear good shoes: Choose proper athletic shoes with ample support.

• Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water the day before and throughout the tournament.

• Eat healthy: Fill up on fruits, veggies and lean protein for sustained energy.

• Rest up: Get enough sleep leading up to and during tournament days.

Come prepared to play your best at Hoopfest!

Beyond playing, there are many ways to take part in this amazing community event:

Volunteer: Hoopfest relies on 2,000+ volunteers. Help set up courts, manage brackets, assist players and more.

Watch: Spectating is free! Walk around downtown and take in games on dozens of courts.

Sponsor: Partner with Hoopfest to connect your brand with active, community-driven people.

Vendor: Apply to run a food, drink or merchandise stand to tap into huge crowds.

Donate: Support youth health initiatives through the Hoopfest charity foundation.

Work: Hoopfest hires event staff for operations, marketing, logistics and much more.

Get involved off the court and be part of the Hoopfest magic!

Hoopfest may be the premiere event, but 3-on-3 tournaments have been gaining popularity around the world over the past few decades.

• Origins: 3-on-3 style play dates back to the original basketball rules. Organized tournaments began popping up in the 1970s.

• Olympics: 3×3 basketball debuted as an Olympic event at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games.

• FIBA: The International Basketball Federation sanctions 3×3 major tournaments and a pro league.

• Pro leagues: Big3 started in 2017 as the first professional 3-on-3 basketball league in the U.S.

• Youth focus: Youth and amateur-based organizations see 3-on-3 as the future of grassroots basketball.

Hoopfest ushered in the mainstream arrival of 3-on-3, but clearly this dynamic style is here to stay!

Think your team has what it takes to emerge victorious at Hoopfest? Keep these tips in mind when forming your squad:

• Balanced skillsets – Make sure your 3 players offer a blend of ballhandling, shooting, rebounding and defensive abilities.

• Good chemistry – Choose teammates you mesh well with. Familiarity and teamwork are key!

• Rule experience – Understand Hoopfest rules. Substitutions and winning by 2 can require strategy.

• Fitness – Opt for players with endurance to maintain energy over long weekend.

• Versatility – Since it‘s 3-on-3, players should be able to fill multiple roles fluidly.

• Height – Having one bigger player for rebounding and inside scoring could be beneficial. But speed and agility tend to win out in streetball settings.

With the right teammates and preparation, you can build a Hoopfest champion!

• Most points scored in a Hoopfest game is 60 points, achieved by "Uncle Drew" in 2014.

• In 2019, organizers had to bring in 13,000 tons of crushed rock to cover cement for playable courts downtown.

• The seeding committee spends over 2 months reviewing all 6,000+ teams to fill competitive brackets.

• Over 150,000 people came downtown to spectate Hoopfest in 2017.

• Hoopfest‘s estimated annual economic impact for Spokane is around $40 million.

• 718 teams participated in the very first Hoopfest event back in 1990.

• Player ages range from youth divisions up to legends in their 80s! All ages love Hoopfest.

Ready to experience the energy and community of the world‘s biggest 3-on-3 tournament? Let this guide help you make the most out of this iconic Spokane event. Gear up for a full weekend of intense streetball action at Hoopfest!

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