"The Spokane Hoopfest is the world's largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament, held annually in Spokane, Washington, typically on the last weekend of June.



"The event features thousands of teams playing across hundreds of courts set up throughout the downtown area, transforming the city into a large-scale sports festival with additional activities and entertainment." (AI Overview)

Key aspects of Spokane Hoopfest:

• Scale: It is the largest event of its kind, drawing over 6,000 teams and hundreds of thousands of fans and participants. 
• Format: Teams of up to four players compete on basketball courts set up across about 45 city blocks. 

  Festivities: Beyond the basketball games, Hoopfest is an outdoor festival with shopping, music, and other family-friendly activities, making it a significant community celebration. 

  History: The tournament began in 1990 and has grown significantly, becoming a major economic and cultural event for Spokane. 

  Accessibility: The event includes divisions for all ages and skill levels, from young children and families to adult and professional players. (AI Overview)

"Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world, held annually in Downtown Spokane, Washington, traditionally on the last weekend in June. Each year, the event features over 6,000 teams, 25,000 participants, 3,000 volunteers, 225,000 fans, and 450 courts spanning 45 city blocks. The city’s strong association with the tournament has earned Spokane the official nickname Hooptown USA. (Wikipedia)

"In 2011, Hoopfest hosted 7,040 teams and 27,876 players, setting a record for participation at the time. In more recent years, the event has continued to draw large crowds, with estimated attendance surpassing 250,000 spectators in both 2023 and 2024."

"For the last 31 years, the Spokane Hoopfest Association has launched several programs, donated $2.5m back to local charitable organizations, and built over 30 community basketball courts in the Inland Northwest," the official website says.

"Spokane Hoopfest Association is a Washington nonprofit corporation and tax exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code."

"While street ball is traditionally played without the boundaries and intricacies of indoor basketball, Hoopfest has a few rules and regulations to ensure hoopers stay safe and have the best weekend possible while playing 3on3 basketball.

"Hoopfest officials have added a technical foul rule due to a grave concern about the growing trend of unsportsmanlike acts such as profanity, taunting, baiting and trash talking. More than ever, officials will be seeking the cooperation of all players and spectators to eliminate these disturbances from the tournament. Monitors will fully enforce the following calls to abate such unsportsmanlike acts," the Spokane Hoops Association says.

"The Spokane Hoopfest is the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world, taking over downtown Spokane the last weekend of June. This annual event brings thousands of basketball players from around the world to the city and the energy is electric! There is a bracket of competition for every age and ability, and fun activities are happening around the city for all to enjoy," the Visit Spokane says.



"The world-famous Spokane Hoopfest attracts more than 250,000 basketball players and fans from around the United States and the globe. Top teams flock to Spokane every year for the acclaimed 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a chance at greatness.

"Approximately 6,000 teams take part in this incredible event. Anyone of any skill level can play. Teams are made of four players, with three on the court at a time. Each team is guaranteed three games. It’s known as the greatest weekend of basketball on earth for a reason, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!"

"The largest streetball tournament consisted of 7,296 participants in the Adult Male division of Spokane Hoopfest 2009 in Spokane, Washington, USA from 27-28 June 2009. Hoopfest is an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament comprised of 26,656 total players on 6,725 teams across 23 different tournament divisions. Spokane Hoopfest celebrated its 20th anniversay in 2009, organised by the Spokane Hoopfest Association," the Guinness World Records says,

"The competition is divided into 449 brackets across 23 competitive categories. According to the organisers' registration documents, 21,364 (80%) of the players were from Washington state, 2,753 from neighboring Idaho, 1,326 from Montana, 630 from Oregon and 583 from other states and Canada."

"Excitement is building in Hooptown USA as the largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world gears up for a weekend of festivities," the FOX 20 Spokane says.

"The event kicks off at 7:00 a.m. with the ‘Embrace Hoopfest’ 24-hour charity game. Check-in will continue from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

"With more than 250,000 people expected in town this weekend, navigating the area will be challenging. Starting Friday night, road closures will go into effect."

"3x3 basketball, variation of basketball played on a half-court between teams of three players. Pronounced “three-ex-three,” this condensed version of basketball was established as a professional sport in the early 21st century. The game focuses on speed, versatility, and agility more than on the endurance and methodical tactics of traditional 5x5 basketball," the Britannica says.

"Basketball was invented by John Naismith about 1891. From 1897 the game’s rules stipulated that five players per team on a full court with two baskets was the official standard, but amateurs playing the sport in parks and backyards often diverged from the textbook requirements.

"For example, sometimes only six people were present to play and only half-courts were available. It was out of this informal, “streetball” tradition in urban and semi-urban areas in the United States that 3x3 basketball emerged."

"The Washington Wizards, DowntownDC BID, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development invite the community to participate in a weekend of basketball, food, and activities! Join us as F Street, between 6th and 7th Streets NW, is transformed into a dynamic, open-air basketball tournament and community celebration," the NBA says.

"All participating teams will be guaranteed at least three games. The tournament will begin with pool play within each division. Based on teams’ record in pool play, including other qualifying factors, teams may advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket within each division."

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