Spokane Hoopfest: Largest 3 on 3 Basketball Event of the World!

Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 street basketball play-offs in the United States, maybe even in the entire world. It boasts that it can gather over 6 700 teams, 3000 volunteers, 200 000 players and fans combined to play in 428 courts that extend to 40 downtown city blocks – all in one day. Other than basketball, Hoopfest is a big outdoor affair complete with concerts, shopping and food stalls, interactive entertainment booths and a little something more every year.In the late 1980’s up to early 1990’s, 3-on-3 basketball play-offs were rarely seen in the streets outside of Midwest United States. Spokane Hoopfest was actually the brainchild of two separate groups of players from different areas of the country. One group was from the Midwest. They wanted to see 3-on-3 basketball on the streets again.The other group wanted to raise money for a Special Olympics. These two groups decided to merge and the Spokane Hoopfest Association was created. The co-founders were Rick Betts and Jerry Schmidt.Starting the Spokane Hoopfest was quite challenging for them. The association wanted to close the streets of downtown Spokane for two days and make the streets the courts for basketball. They went from door to door to win over both residents and businessmen in the area to the idea of Hoopfest.Eventually, they were granted the permit and 36 courts were set up.The Spokane Hoopfest is a tournament open for all, regardless of age, ability and residence. First you have to choose your division and then submit your team entry form. The divisions are as follows:StandardMost participants will be playing in this division. The association will bracket the teams as fairly as they can. They will base their decision on the player information submitted upon registration. The categories for the standard division are: Adult, High School and Youth.Co-ed teams are allowed. It is required though that they must have at least one player of the opposite sex on the court always.3BA Adult EliteThis division is intended to bracket talented teams from all over the United States. Team captains will be provided with the specific rules and requirements applicable for the division. All 3BA Elite teams must wear uniforms.3BA Elite High School VarsityHigh School Varsity players who are incoming tenth through twelfth graders are included in this division.3BA Freshman EliteAll players in this division must be incoming ninth graders in the fall of 2010 to be able to participate.FamilyThis is the division for families who want to play as a team. All members of must be related to the chosen captain.MediaThis division is intended for employees of broadcast and print media companies.To register, you have to secure an entry form for your team. Forms are available at Yoke’s Fresh Market and Bruchi’s locations. You may also call the Hoopfest office to register.Friends and families gather to cheer loved ones, encouraging them to be the next Hoopfest Champion. You may be a college superstar, a dad or a seven-year-old, you are welcome to score a basket in the Spokane Hoopfest.