Spokane Hoopfest

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, 3-on-3 basketball tournaments were relatively uncommon outside the Midwestern United States. The idea for Spokane Hoopfest originated from two separate groups: one composed of individuals from the Midwest who wanted to continue the 3-on-3 tradition they knew from home, and the other focused on raising money for Special Olympics. The two groups eventually merged under co-founders Rick Betts and Jerry Schmidt, forming the Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Organizers faced early challenges in securing support for the inaugural tournament, which proposed closing the streets of downtown Spokane for two full days of basketball—a first for the area. Volunteers went door-to-door to gain the backing of downtown business owners, and eventually, a permit was granted. Thirty-six courts were taped off on downtown streets.

The first Spokane Hoopfest took place on June 30 and July 1, 1990, organized by volunteers including founding board members Betts, Schmidt, Dave Jackson, Terry M. Kelly, Dennis Magner, and Rick Steltenpohl. That year, the event hosted 2,009 players on 512 teams. Following its initial success, Hoopfest returned the next summer, beginning an annual tradition of closing the downtown core during the last weekend of June.

Over time, Hoopfest evolved beyond a basketball tournament, adding attractions such as youth and adult center courts, games and contests, live music, and merchandise vendors to enhance the event experience.

Spokane Hoopfest has grown into the largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament and family festival of its kind in the world. Annual participation includes more than 6,000 teams and approximately 25,000 players. Teams travel from across the United States, including from states such as Hawaii, Georgia, and Kansas. The event now utilizes over 450 courts to host approximately 14,000 games. By comparison, the second-largest 3-on-3 tournament in the U.S. is estimated to have no more than 1,500 participating teams.

The event has a notable economic impact on Spokane each year. A third-party survey conducted in 2006 found that Hoopfest contributes an estimated $39 million to the local economy annually, including spending on lodging, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Beyond the weekend itself, the Spokane Hoopfest Association has donated over $1.6 million to area charities since 1990, supporting organizations such as Special Olympics, youth sports programs, and local court construction and renovation projects. To date, the organization has built or renovated over 27 outdoor basketball courts in area neighborhoods.

In 2019, MultiCare Inland Northwest contributed $1 million to Hoopfest, facilitating the construction of a new basketball complex and Hall of Fame in Riverfront Park. The donation also secured MultiCare as the exclusive 10-year sponsor of Hooptown USA.{{cite web |title=MultiCare announces 10-year, $1 million partnership with Hooptown USA |website=MultiCare Newsroom |date=29 June 2019 |url=https://www.multicare.org/newsroom/2019/06/multicare-announces-10-year-1-million-partnership-with-hooptown-usa/ |access-date=14 May 2025}}

More broadly, Spokane Hoopfest has received regional recognition, including the 2003 Agora Award for Business Excellence. The award committee noted that, “No other single event [in Spokane] brings together people of such diverse cultures, economic conditions, and ages for a common purpose... not just basketball. It is cheering for one another, working together, competing fairly, and celebrating Spokane.”

As the tournament grew in scale and reputation, Hoopfest began receiving extensive media coverage from local outlets such as KREM and The Spokesman-Review. National networks like ESPN have also highlighted the event, particularly during milestone years or when high-profile athletes have made appearances.{{cite web | title=Hoopfest History | website=SpokaneHoopfest.net | url=https://www.spokanehoopfest.net/hoopfest-history/ | access-date=13 May 2025}}

Hoopfest features a dynamic bracket system designed to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels. Teams are organized into divisions based on factors such as age, height, playing experience, and competition level, as indicated on their entry forms. For youth teams, a designated coach is required, and all players in 7th grade and above must present photo identification.

Each team consists of three to four players, with three players on the court during play. Co-ed teams must have at least one player of the opposite sex on the court at all times. Basketball hoop heights and ball sizes vary based on age group, ensuring an appropriate level of competition:

• Hoop heights: 7 feet (grades 1–2), 8 feet (grades 3–4), and 10 feet (grades 5 and above)

• Ball sizes: Junior, intermediate, or regulation, depending on age and gender

Games are played to a target score of 20 points or until a time limit is reached:

• Grades 1–2: 15 minutes or 20 points

• Grades 3–6: 20 minutes or 20 points

• Grades 7 and above: 25 minutes or 20 points

If time expires without a team reaching 20 points, the team with the highest score is declared the winner. Ties are resolved through overtime, with sudden-death rules varying by age group.

Points are awarded based on shot location: one point for baskets made inside the arc and two points for those beyond it. Possession alternates after each score, and teams must "take the ball back" behind a designated line following a change of possession. Stalling is prohibited, with violations resulting in technical fouls.

Hoopfest enforces strict rules regarding equipment, gameplay, and player conduct. Jewelry, hard braces, and dunking are prohibited. Teams are allowed one timeout per game, and substitutions can only occur during timeouts or dead-ball situations. Court monitors oversee games and may suspend play for injuries or other concerns. Scheduling updates are posted on the Avista Master Scoreboard, and teams must be ready to play at their assigned times to avoid forfeits.{{cite web | title=Hoopfest Rules 2025 | url=https://hoopfest.b-cdn.net/uploads/2025/03/Hoopfest-Rules-2025.pdf | access-date=14 May 2025}}

Over the years, Spokane Hoopfest has drawn numerous notable basketball figures. In 2017, NBA star Kevin Durant made an unannounced appearance at Nike Center Court, where he participated in a 3-on-3 exhibition game and interacted with fans. The visit, organized in partnership with Nike, was part of the promotional campaign for his KD10 signature shoe.{{cite web |title=Kevin Durant's appearance at Hoopfest presented that wow factor |last=Libby |first=Angela |website=The Spokesman-Review |date=26 June 2017 |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/jun/26/kevin-durants-appearance-at-hoopfest-presented-tha/ |access-date=13 May 2025}}

In 2019, former Gonzaga University men's basketball standouts Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert, and Josh Perkins appeared at the event. The trio engaged with fans and served as judges for the Hoopfest dunk contest, a popular annual feature that draws large crowds and media attention.{{cite web |title=Hoopfest 2019 Day 1: A look at some notable players, stories from opening day |website=KREM.com |date=29 June 2019 |url=https://www.krem.com/article/news/hoopfest-2019-day-1-a-look-at-some-notable-players-stories-from-opening-day/293-0500d6fa-7c1b-44f8-afca-8c27bc52a32b |access-date=13 May 2025}} In the years since, the contest has continued to draw high-profile guests, including NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, who served as a celebrity judge in 2024.{{cite web |title=Basketball legend Gary Payton is coming to Spokane Hoopfest |url=https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/more/hoopfest/basketball-legend-gary-payton-is-coming-to-spokane-hoopfest/article_8d5c5424-3595-11ef-83e7-7fcc06385267.html |website=SWX Right Now |publisher=SWX Local Sports |date=July 19, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2025}}

Spokane native and NBA all-time assists leader John Stockton, a longtime supporter of the event, is also frequently spotted attending Hoopfest, as is fellow Gonzaga legend Adam Morrison, a former participant and youth champion who has remained involved over the years.{{cite web |last=Davis |first=Seth |title=25 Years of Hoopfest: Spokane's summer staple is about more than basketball |url=https://www.si.com/college/2014/06/27/spokane-hoopfest-3-3-basketball-tournament-25-years |website=Sports Illustrated |date=June 27, 2014 |access-date=May 14, 2025}}{{cite web |last=Teneyck |first=Alexa |title='It’s basketball for everybody': Former Gonzaga standout Adam Morrison inducted into Hooptown USA Hall of Fame |url=https://www.swxlocalsports.com/spokane/more/hoopfest/its-basketball-for-everybody-former-gonzaga-standout-adam-morrison-inducted-into-hooptown-usa-hall-of/article_e780a88a-3430-11ef-a7c7-7f371963aec1.html |website=SWX Local Sports |date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=May 15, 2025}} Other notable attendees have included NBA players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Klay Thompson, Isaiah Thomas, Brandon Roy, Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, and Kelly Olynyk.{{cite web |title=Organizers say Hoopfest 2009 was a great success |url=https://www.khq.com/sports/organizers-say-hoopfest-2009-was-a-great-success/article_bfe52b95-8863-5afa-a7a1-b159a6c52cdb.html |website=KHQ |date=June 29, 2009 |access-date=May 15, 2025}}

{{cite web |last=AndyP |title=The Spokane Hoopfest is the Best Sporting Event You Haven't Heard Of |url=https://unafraidshow.com/2019/07/04/spokane-hoopfest-best-sporting-event-basketball-tournament/ |website=Unafraid Show |date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=May 14, 2025}}

In 2024, members of the U.S. men's 3x3 basketball team, including former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, acknowledged Spokane Hoopfest's significant role in promoting the growth of 3-on-3 basketball in the United States. Fredette, participating in the Paris Olympics, expressed interest in attending Hoopfest in the future, highlighting its importance in youth development and community engagement. Team USA coach Joe Lewandowski praised the event, stating that Spokane "has a lock" on the 3x3 model, emphasizing its influence on the sport's national and international expansion. He also noted that USA Basketball has previously recruited teams from Hoopfest, underscoring its prominence in the 3x3 basketball landscape. {{cite web | title='They have a lock on it.' Jimmer Fredette, U.S. 3x3 Olympians credit Spokane Hoopfest for helping grow 3-on-3 game | website=The Spokesman-Review | date=August 1, 2024 | url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/aug/01/they-have-a-lock-on-it-jimmer-fredette-us-3x3-olym/ | access-date=May 14, 2025}}

Even before the sport’s Olympic spotlight, Hoopfest was already shaping future stars. Hailey Van Lith, a 2024 U.S. Olympic 3x3 team member and current Chicago Sky point guard, credited Hoopfest as a formative influence. In 2019, while still in high school, she teamed up with future college and WNBA stars Paige Bueckers and Aliyah Boston to win the elite women’s division. Reflecting on the event, she said, “It’s fast. It’s super physical. And it’s just competitive. I just love the vibe of it,” adding that the experience helped fuel her interest in pursuing 3x3 at the highest level.{{cite news |title=Hailey Van Lith, a Hoopfest winner in 2019, among four picked for U.S. 3x3 women's Olympic basketball team |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2024/jun/05/hailey-van-lith-a-hoopfest-winner-in-2019-among-fo/ |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=June 5, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2025}}{{cite web |title=Hailey Van Lith from Washington to play on USA's first women's 3x3 Olympic basketball team |url=https://www.king5.com/article/sports/olympics/hailey-van-lith-3x3-olympics-paris/281-08a38418-d30e-4ff9-86ce-4dd7a0b17cc0 |website=KING 5 |date=June 5, 2024 |access-date=May 14, 2025}}

Due to the physical nature of the event and the high number of participants, Hoopfest regularly sees a significant number of injuries. According to MultiCare, which staffs medical tents during the tournament, there were 1,184 reported injuries during the 2024 edition of Hoopfest. These included:

• Fractures: 29

• Achilles ruptures: 21

• Knee injuries (ACL/PCL/MCL): 24

• Dislocations: 23

• Concussions: 3

• Dehydration cases: 10

• Strains/sprains: 189

• Lacerations: 33

• Wounds: 296

• Blisters: 18

• Tape applications: 538

Medical response is coordinated across multiple downtown locations, with stations equipped for triage, hydration, and emergency care.

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.spokanehoopfest.net}}

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