Nothin’ But Net

Sun., June 25, 2000

Jackie Vanallen

The 11th edition of Hoopfest continues through today. Come downtown and enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, sporting more than 21,000 participants and swarms of fans.

Downtown Spokane streets will echo with dribbling basketballs and cheering crowds. The smell of sweat, street vendor food and liniment will permeate the air. Watch a few of these fast paced games, and you will be drawn into the experience.

Hoopfest has divisions ranging from elite to wheelchair with a total of 336 brackets. It’s a high point in each player’s year.

But you don’t have to be an avid basketball fan to enjoy it. The competitive spirit of each team, as players strive to work together, is exciting to see.

If for no other reason, check out Hoopfest to marvel at the organization required for this event. Hoopfest has over 2,000 volunteers to help organize the 5,425 basketball teams into an orderly schedule of games.

Cities twice our size also have 3-on-3 tournaments but not with the level of success or such a large number of participants. Come experience this event and cheer the players, organizers, volunteers and spectators. It’s a slam-dunk for all.

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