Courtesy of Jesse Tinsley (THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)
Spokane, Washington is a city that loves basketball. Home to Gonzaga University, the basketball culture extends across the city and March Madness overtakes the screens at local bars and restaurants. Spokane may be famous for college basketball, but the city also hosts an extremely special event: Spokane Hoopfest.
Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world. Bringing over 250,000 people to the city of Spokane, Hoopfest shuts down 45 city blocks. There are 24,000 players who can be found on the 422 courts that line the streets over Hoopfest weekend. Players come from all around the world to participate in the tournament. The tournament needs over 3,000 volunteers to run smoothly. Since 1990, Hoopfest weekend has brought over $47 million annually to the Inland Northwest. It also brings big name sponsors including Toyota, Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Each year, the tournament continues to grow and the excitement of the weekend makes the streets of Spokane more lively than ever.
Courtesy of Colin Mulvany (THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)
Hoopfest is attractive to any basketball fan and even attracts some stars within the basketball world. In 2017, even Kevin Durant made an appearance. Due to its proximity and partnership with Gonzaga University, members of both the Gonzaga women’s and men's basketball teams can be found frequenting the event.
Hoopfest is an important event for the Spokane community as the Spokane Hoopfest Association donates $2.5 million to local charities, including the Special Olympics, and has built more than 30 community basketball courts in the inland Northwest United States. The association helps run basketball programs for students all the way through high school. The association has stood for 31 years and continues to grow its network of ways to give back to the community.
Courtesy of Spokane Hoopfest
So next summer when you are looking for some basketball to fill your days after the NBA has concluded games, consider a trip to Spokane to become a part of the amazing event that is Spokane Hoopfest! More information about the event can be found on their website.
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