Feature Story: Hoopfest

Where is one place that thousands of people gather in 90-degree weather, along 40-square blocks to yell, scream, cry, cheer and play ball?

Hoopfest, a tournament as significant as Christmas for most basketball players, is quickly approaching once again.

Hoopfest is the largest three-on-three annual basketball tournament in the world, and was first started in 1990 in Spokane Washington by Rick Betts, Jerry Schmidt, Dave Jackson, Terry M. Kelly, Dennis Magner and Rick Steltenpohl, according to Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Every year in June, teams come together from all over the country to compete for the championship title. People of all ages and abilities are able to participate. The teams consist of four players, three of which play at a time with one substitute. Each game lasts about 30 minutes, or until the first team reaches 20 points. The players are ranked in each bracket based on age, skill level and height, according to Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Hoopfest has become one of Spokane’s most celebrated events, and over the weekend of the 27th and 28th, nearly 400 courts will be filled with as many as 25,000 players, according to Spokane Hoopfest Association. Hoopfest not only serves as just the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world, but also as an outdoor festival that provides entertainment such as live concerts, food, shopping and much more.

Ryan A. Kadmiri, a sophomore at Spokane Falls Community College, will be playing for his 14th year in Hoopfest this summer.

“Hoopfest has always been one of my favorite times of the year in Spokane because not only do I love basketball, but it brings the entire community together for two days out of the entire year,” said Kadmiri.

People participate in Hoopfest for many different reasons. Some play to just have fun, others play to win the championship title, others play to improve their skills, and some play to support local charities.

“I play because I am a very competitive person and I love the game,” said Kadmiri. “The adrenaline rush that I feel when I step onto the pavement is indescribable. I hope to be playing until I am 60 years old.”

For many players like Kadmiri, Hoopfest is one of the most important times during the year. Hoopfest is especially appealing because the rules are much more lax compared to league basketball. Players are allowed to call their own fowls, and infractions such as traveling are not penalized quite as often.

Kadmiri, who in the past has won three championship titles said, “Winning the Hoopfest championship title was one of my greatest achievements. My teammates and my hard work finally paid off.”

For competitive players like Kadmiri, another appeal to Hoopfest is that every year a retired celebrity basketball player comes to Spokane and competes in the elite bracket. This year Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be coming to Spokane.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has achieved Rookie of the Year, is a six-time NBA MVP, 19-time All Star, two time scoring champion, member of six NBA championship teams and has accomplished many other titles, according to NBA.com.

Hoopfest is such an exciting and unique event because there are so many different forms of entertainment that everyone can enjoy, said Slade A. Maul, a senior at Eastern Washington University.

However, Hoopfest serves more purposes than just being the largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world. Hoopfest has donated over $1 million to charity organizations over the last 19 years. A special emphasis has been placed on donating to the Special Olympics and to an outdoor construction system throughout the Spokane area. Yet, other Hoopfest donations also include: YMCA, YWCA, Spokane Parks and Recreation Department, St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Libby Teen Center, Spokane Regional Sports Commission as well as several others, according to Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Hoopfest is also extremely vital for Spokane’s economy. A survey was conducted in 2006 by an outside party that predicted that Hoopfest brings in $30 million every June. Dining, hotel spending, shopping, and other forms of entertainment contribute to this predicted figure, according to Spokane Hoopfest Association.

Hoopfest has become a celebrated event in the Spokane area. Parents mark their calendars, players practice for months in advance, friends request work off, and on the weekend of the tournament everyone crams into the downtown area to cheer on their loved ones. Hoopfest truly is an event where the entire community comes together.

“There’s no greater feeling then being surrounded by the people who care about you, while participating in Spokane’s greatest athletic event,” said Kadmiri.