elcome back to Hoopfest 2023 and the Best Basketball Weekend on Earth! We were so thrilled with the turnout last year, and we’re even more excited about the numbers for this year’s Hoopfest — 4,200 teams! At the end of the day, Hoopfest is just a basketball tournament. But to many people, including myself, Hoopfest is something bigger and more impactful than just a basketball tournament. It’s a way to connect with family and friends who have a common bond through sports and Spokane; it allows everyone to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Over the last 33 years, a lot about Hoopfest has changed. But our goal of putting on the best 3-on-3 basketball tournament has never wavered. This is impossible to do without the players, volunteers and spectators who make Hoopfest what it is. We are so grateful for you and everybody who participates in Hoopfest. Thank you for allowing us to create this incredible event, and we hope your experience here in Hooptown USA is one to remember!
Riley Stockton Hoopfest Executive Director
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STA BUSES The Spokane Transit Authority offers a Hoop Loop on Saturday, June 24, from 6 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, June 25, from 7 am to 6 pm. Leave your car at one of two Park and Ride locations: the STA’s Jefferson Park and Ride and the WSU-Spokane lots in the University District east of Division. Park at either of the locations and ride a shuttle down to the courts. An All-Day Pass – unlimited rides on any Hoop Loop bus route – is available both days for $2 per day. More information: spokanetransit.com/Hoopfest; (509) 328-RIDE (7433)
PARKING All parking garages are open during Hoopfest, with access provided to entrances and exits. Street parking where available is paid until 7 pm Saturday, but free all day Sunday. The Parkade is offering day and weekend passes; more information can be found on the Hoopfest website under “Travel.” Please note that the Parkade closes at 9 pm.
TEN CAPITAL TEAM CHECK-IN Ten Capital Team Check-In will again be in the Central Plaza, just west of the U.S. Pavilion inside Riverfront Park. Ten Capital Team Check-In will be available during the following times: Thursday, June 22, 3 pm to 7 pm; Friday, June 23, 11 am to 7 pm; Saturday, June 24, 6:30 am to Noon (for out-of-town teams only).
LOG YOUR WINS Mobile scoring is now available, which means that you can drop your score sheets off at the Avista Scoring Kiosks located on: 1) Riverside and Post; 2) Main and Washington; 3) the Visit Spokane Information Center in Riverfront Park; 4) The Plaza in Riverfront Park (located next to the U.S. Pavilion); and 5) the North Channel Bridge located near the north entrance to Riverfront Park.
SPOKANE HOOPFEST STORE Get exclusive gear only at the Spokane Hoopfest Store! Make sure to stop by our Hoopfest Store, in our new storefront location, 707 W Main Ave #A3, next to T-Mobile and Lululemon. Inside, don’t miss our Local Corner, featuring exclusive Hoopfest/Great PNW gear available for the whole family. This year’s poster, designed by Propaganda Creative, features the Groves brothers, Tanner, Jacob and Dylynn, local legends and longtime Hoopfest veterans. The official 2023 basketballs, provided by Baden Sports, showcase the Monroe Street bridge. There are three different ball sizes this year, each featuring a different color piping: Size 5 (27.5”) blue piping; Size 6 (28.5”) red piping; and Size 7 (29.5”) white piping.
NORTHERN QUEST CENTER COURT Hoopfest is excited to have Northern Quest Center Court return to the heart of the city, under the U.S. Pavilion in Riverfront Park. Northern Quest Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and has served the Inland Northwest as a community partner for more than two decades. Northern Quest Center Court will be action packed and the place to watch former college stars, local legends, National Champions and slam dunk extraordinaires.
CHAD
SMITH Director of Volunteers & StaffingSTEPHEN
OPLAND Projects & Events DirectorRACHEL
ZAROWNY Sponsor & Partnership Manager
ROWAN ANDERSON AND JAMIE COPELAND
Marketing Managers
Idaho Central Credit Union is excited to be part of the Spokane community, and we are here to serve you, no matter what your financial needs are. Stop by one of your local Spokane branches to see for yourself how we can help you achieve your financial success, or visit us online at iccu.com.
Since 1990, Spokane’s basketball community has shown a passion and commitment to the game by making Hoopfest an annual tradition. Some in that community have taken things a step further by making their participation in Hoopfest an annual tradition.
These “perennial players” have been taking to the courts in Downtown Spokane every summer since that inaugural event. It’s an exclusive club, with about 30 who have played every year the tournament has happened. (The 2020 and ’21 events were canceled due to Covid.) They’ve seen Hoopfest grow from a small basketball tournament into what we now take for granted, but must have been unthinkable then: The greatest basketball weekend on Earth.
A few perennial players sat down to share some wisdom and memories from their now 30-plus-year Hoopfest careers:
Thanks to a group of friends who worked at a Downtown department store, Templeton found out about that first Hoopfest back in 1990 and they convinced him to lace up his sneakers and join them on the court.
“I remember going down there and seeing all these wooden backboards, and I just thought, ‘How are they shutting down the streets? How are they having this tournament in Downtown Spokane? How are they going to pull this off?’”
A former high school player, Templeton was taken with the event. Not only has he been back every year since, but he spent 20 years on the Hoopfest board of directors as his way of giving back to the event he fell in love with.
He recalls one year, back in the early days, when he helped block off streets downtown on Friday evening, though the task ultimately lasted well past midnight. Pushing a loaded wagon around the city center, Templeton estimates he logged 20 miles that night.
“We would literally get done about two in the morning, and then the next morning I had to play. I was younger then, but it was tough,” Templeton says with a laugh.
Those experiences have helped build a strong sense of respect for the volunteers who make Hoopfest happen, like the very same court monitor Templeton had for 13 years straight.
“Same guy. We’d show up every year and he’d know us by name. He’d know almost everybody by name.”
It should come as no surprise that there’s a Stockton — yes, those Stocktons — among the crop of perennial players still dribbling and driving their way around Downtown.
While he may be part of a legendary Spokane basketball family, he doesn’t always put family first.
“It’s funny, as the years went on it got more and more important to keep the streak going. I told the boys, ‘don’t even think about getting married on Hoopfest, because I’ll get there but I’ll be in-between games.’”
Fortunately, Hoopfest is a shared priority for that basketball family. Steve’s son, Riley, is the executive director at Hoopfest. The weekend really is a family affair.
Aside from staying in shape and playing throughout the year, Stockton’s advice for anyone looking to put together a multi-decade streak at Hoopfest as he has is simple. Enjoy it.
“You obviously want to do well, but over the years you just… these guys that you’ve played against so many times, it’s just fun getting caught up with them and getting caught up with their families. So it does become way more social. Walking around and seeing people and all the positive energy that’s in the city during that period is just really, really cool.”
He’s the youngest of these three perennial players and may well be the youngest of them all considering that as an 11-year-old in 1990 he had to play with older kids to compete. (His dad, Rick, was one of the co-founders of Hoopfest.) Still, Brian Betts understands that keeping his streak alive for all these years hasn’t entirely been within his control.
“The key to play every year is just to make the commitment to be around and be available for the event. Obviously that’s one. And then two, I’d say probably just a little bit of luck,” Betts says with a laugh. “Not being hurt and the willingness to keep diving on the cement every year despite, you know, getting older.”
Aside from luck, there’s a sense of gratitude that has kept Betts coming back every single year. He says his favorite memory every year isn’t the event, but the ending when players help peel the tape lines off the court.
“You’re so exhausted, you just barely have energy to pick up the tape, but you still love it because that’s just what the event is.”
A key to making it all the way to picking up the tape? Hydration.
“I just drink as much water as possible in between games, even if it doesn’t seem like I need to.”
He learned that lesson while taking part in an ultra-marathon. Though some may argue that three decades of Hoopfest is an even more impressive feat.
OPEN DAILY | 8AM – 3AM
Come to Spokane Tribe Casino and experience the best multi-screen sports betting action in the area, featuring a spacious lounge, In-Play betting and the largest betting options in the state.
SUNDAYS | 2PM
Caesars® Sportsbook members who place a bet of $20 or more and lose will be able to place their losing ticket in the drawing barrel. We will draw one winner every Sunday at 2PM.
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The Pavilion in Riverfront Park was a gift from the United States government to honor Spokane for being selected to host the 1974 World’s Fair — Expo ’74. Its original purpose was to house the U.S. exhibition at the World’s Fair, so it’s only fitting that now it’s home to Northern Quest Center Court in Hooptown, USA.
When the city renovated the Pavilion in 2019, 45 years after the World’s Fair, the plans were drawn up with Hoopfest in mind.
“It is a crown jewel of Hoopfest,” says Riley Stockton, executive director of Hoopfest, of Northern Quest Center Court. “Last year was our first year under the Spokane Pavilion, and I don’t think it could have gone better. It is just the perfect place for Hoopfest to be in the center of Spokane.”
Not only is the iconic structure a visually stunning backdrop for the high-level basketball that is played inside of it, but it’s true to the center court name. As Hoopfest has grown, the event has expanded beyond the downtown core and onto the burgeoning north bank. That puts the Pavilion smack dab in the center of Hoopfest.
Much like how Northern Quest is the epicenter of entertainment in the Inland Northwest, Northern Quest Center Court will once again be the epicenter of basketball at Hoopfest.
“You’re going to have the elite bracket games throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, but you’ll also have activities like the Numerica Cash Dash, the MultiCare Slam Dunk Contest, not to mention other activations to get people excited about Hoopfest,” says Stockton.
With one year under their belt at the Pavilion, the people behind the scenes at Northern Quest and Hoopfest aren’t making any big changes to Center Court this year, just minor tweaks to improve the experience for players and spectators.
That said, the relationship between Hoopfest and Northern Quest is much older than the one year they’ve been together under the Pavilion.
“Northern Quest has been a long-term partnership for Hoopfest,” says Stockton. “They’ve been our app and team tracker sponsor for a while now. They’re still doing that, and we’re super excited to have them back.”
Beyond the activities that will draw spectators to the roughly 4,000-seat Pavilion, Northern Quest Center Court’s location on a grassy, tree-lined island surrounded by flowing water makes it an ideal spot to kick back and beat the midafternoon heat.
There’s always something happening at Northern Quest Center Court, but here are some of the big events.
FRIDAY
Noon Idaho Vandal players lead a skills clinic for grades 1-6
1 pm Team mascots tip it off for local bragging rights
SATURDAY 10:55 am Numerica Credit Union Cash Dash Finale
2 pm MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition prelims
SUNDAY 3 pm MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition finals
After 3:30 pm Men’s 6-Foot-And-Under Xfinity Elite Championship
After the 6-Foot-AndUnder game Men’s Open Xfinity Elite Championship
Afresh crop of local hoops legends comprise the 2023 class of the Hooptown Hall of Fame. Like last year’s class, which included national names like John Stockton and local pioneers like Jeanne Eggart Helfer, this year’s class honors a diverse group of people who impacted the game in various ways.
“I think Spokane is so unique nationally because there is such a love of basketball,” says 2023 inductee Shann Ferch. “Hoopfest has always tried to
“A lot of people told me I should stick with soccer because I’m only 5-foot-5. That’s probably another reason I picked basketball — people telling me I shouldn’t.”
—
Stacy ClinesmithBefore you could find her patrolling the sidelines as an assistant coach at Gonzaga, or see her playing point guard for the Sacramento Monarchs and Detroit Shock of the WNBA, Clinesmith was leaving her mark on the court as a standout at Mead in the early ’90s.
During her time at Lewis and Clark, January helped build the foundation for a dominant era of Tigers basketball. As a senior at Arizona State, she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The sixth pick in the 2009 WNBA Draft, January won all-star and championship honors over her 14-year playing career.
do things that honor the history of basketball and all the teams and families that have had so much joy and love for the game.”
Displays honoring these players, coaches and pros who helped define Spokane’s basketball culture, along with those for previous inductees, can be seen year-round at the Hooptown Hall of Fame, located under the shelter next to the Community Courts in Riverfront Park.
With a roster full of upperclassmen, these Pirates were set for success — and they delivered. The Pirates posted a 26-5 record, won the Northwest Conference and finished the season as national runners-up. It was the best season in program history.
“It’s just the competitive nature in me… Getting a turnover, leading the break, and getting an easy two points hyped me up.”
— Briann January
They got Whitworth’s president to shut down the school and launched a last-minute caravan — six buses, countless cars — that traveled 400 miles to reach the title game.
In its second year, the Hooptown Hall of Fame celebrates two of the best women players to ever come out of Spokane — and that’s just the startPhoto provided by: The Spokesman-Review Photo provided by: Clinesmith family Photo provided by: Arizona State University Athletics
“He truly was a maverick in the sport, being able to give people quick, easy, intuitive changes that would make a big difference in their games.”
— Jennifer Ferch, on her father, Fred Crowell
Basketball in the Inland Northwest wouldn’t be where it is today without Crowell and his NBC Camps. Founded in 1971, NBC Camps has grown into one of the largest youth basketball camps on the planet. Crowell was a lifelong coach who spent more than five decades helping kids develop not just as players but as people, too.
“[Basketball]’s been a lot of joy… it’s very important for the brotherhood and friendship through the years. And that brotherhood in this town takes care of each other.”
After a standout collegiate career at Montana State and Pepperdine, and a pro career in Germany, Ferch has become a pillar of the Spokane basketball community. While not a true perennial, Ferch’s longevity and tenacity have made him a Hoopfest legend. “It’s certainly an honor,” he says.
Join in as the new class of Hooptown Hall of Famers are officially added to the honor roll. The event is at 6 pm, Wednesday, June 21, at the Hooptown USA court complex, North Bank of Riverfront Park. Purchase tickets at EventBrite.com
Since 2017, MultiCare has been the official medical partner of Hoopfest. This year, MultiCare is expanding its partnership in accordance with its mission of “partnering for healing and a healthy future.” MultiCare will still be providing the “healing” with multiple medical tents where players can get no-cost help to patch up any bumps or bruises, so don’t worry about that. It’s what else MultiCare is doing that leans into the “healthy future” part of its mission.
Dozens of kids from Northeast Spokane will be receiving scholarships to participate in Hoopfest at no cost to them. In total, MultiCare is paying the way for 20 teams.
“We did that in partnership with the Northeast Community Center,” says MultiCare Marketing Director Andrew Canning. “They had reached out to Hoopfest and brought up the fact that they had some kids who were in need of teams and that scholarships could probably benefit those communities.”
graders for the 20 scholarship teams.
“We call this place home,” Canning adds, “and so our mission of partnering for healing and a healthy future goes well beyond that commitment to medicine, and it inspires us to reach out to these underserved neighborhoods and really do some awesome work. I think our partnership with Hoopfest and the connection that we have with the work that they’re doing is a great example of our mission at work.”
The MultiCare teams will be outfitted with full uniforms, all the way down to the shoes, and provided with healthy snacks and hydration to keep the players in peak competitive condition all weekend long.
You don’t have to be one of the players on the MultiCare teams to benefit from MultiCare’s commitment to health at Hoopfest. They will be staffing multiple medical tents around the event — check the maps in this Official Guide for those locations — where free treatment will be provided
MultiCare’s commitment to healing and a healthy future is on full display as they help support the Hoopfest
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Ali’i Hawaiian Shave Ice
Azars
Beamae’s Seafood
Gumbo & Sweet Treat
Ben & Jerry’s
Berry Kabob
Best Buzz Coffee
Big Daddy’s Banh Mi’s
Cascadia Pizza Co.
Dippin’ Dots
Egg Roll Express & Teriyaki
Good ‘Dilla
Gourmet Soul BBQ
Hawaiian Shave Ice
Huckleberry
Scoops
Kettle Krazy
Kona Ice
La Pica Chica
Longhorn Barbecue
Lush Cotton Candy
Lylo’s Teriyaki
MacDaddy’s nomnom
Old Fashioned Kettle Corn
Papa Murphy’s Pizza Rita
Raspados & Hot Dogs Del Sur
Sengsational Cuisine
Smokenhagen Sno Pros Concessions
Tacos Camargo Tea’s Company
Terry’s Breakfast
The Bibby Booth
The Churro Hut
The Döner Haus
The Lemonade Guy And Corn Dogs
The Twisted Churro
Tre Palline Gelato Napolitano
Wake Up Call Coffee
Woodard Family Farms Doughnuts
6 to 9 pm: Hoopfest Hall of Fame dedication ceremony at the Hooptown USA court complex, North Bank of Riverfront Park; Tickets at EventBrite.com
3 to 7 pm: TEN Capital Team Check-In and Player Changes in the Central Plaza of Riverfront Park next to the US Pavilion
3 to 7 pm: Hoopfest Store in our new storefront location, 707 W Main Ave #A3, next to T-Mobile and Lululemon
3 to 7 pm: Toyota Shootoff
11 am to 7 pm: TEN Capital Team Check-In and Player Changes in the Central Plaza of Riverfront Park next to the US Pavilion
11 am to 7 pm: Hoopfest Store in our new storefront location, 707 W Main Ave #A3, next to T-Mobile and Lululemon
11 am to 7 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
Noon to 1 pm: Join current Vandal players on Northern Quest Center Court for a skills clinic. Open to grades 1-6
1 to 1:30 pm: Mascot showdown, see Joe Vandal in action as he takes on other mascots in a 3-on-3 scrimmage at Northern Quest Center Court
6 am to 8 pm: STA Hoop Loop
6:30 am to Noon: Ten Capital Team Check-In in the Central Plaza of Riverfront Park next to the US Pavilion
7:50 am: Opening Ceremonies and National Anthem at Northern Quest Center Court
8 am: Tip-Off (site-wide)
8 am to 6 pm: Hoopfest store in our new storefront location, 707 W Main Ave #A3, next to T-Mobile and Lululemon
9 am to 6 pm: Rodda Paint Contest Zone on the corner of Spokane Falls Blvd and Wall St, next to the Numerica Skate Ribbon
9 am to 6 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
10:55 am: Numerica Credit Union Cash Dash Finale at Northern Quest Center Court
11 am to Noon: EWU Adaptive Athletics Exhibition at the Hooptown USA court complex, North Bank of Riverfront Park
2 to 2:55 pm: MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition at Northern Quest Center Court (prequalification round)
7 am to 6 pm: STA Hoop Loop
8 am: Tip-Off (site-wide)
8 am to 5 pm: Hoopfest store in our new storefront location, 707 W Main Ave #A3, next to T-Mobile and Lululemon
9 am to 1 pm: Rodda Paint Contest Zone on the corner of Spokane Falls Blvd and Wall St, next to the Numerica Skate Ribbon
9 am to 1 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (prequalification round)
1 pm to 4 pm: Toyota Shootoff in Riverfront Park, just north of the Orange Bridge (quarterfinals, semifinals and finals)
3 to 3:30 pm: MultiCare Slam Dunk Competition (finals) at Northern Quest Center Court
(game times are Sunday after 3:30 pm)
GESA Elite HS Championship at GESA High School Center Court, just outside US Pavilion
Men’s 6-Foot-And-Under Xfinity Elite Championship at Northern Quest Center Court
Men’s Open Xfinity Elite Championship at Northern Quest Center Court
JUNE 29-30, 2024: Hoopfest Weekend returns!
The mighty Groves Spokane basketball family has landed brothers Tanner, Jacob and Dylynn on some seriously exclusive real estate — the Official Hoopfest Poster
It’s a family affair on the Hoopfest poster once again this year. Following in the footsteps of last year’s edition featuring Lacie and Lexie Hull of Central Valley and Stanford, this year’s poster takes flight with the Groves brothers: Tanner, Jacob and Dylynn.
“Basketball was always something that all three of us boys, we just fell in love with the game,” says Jacob, the middle brother. “We played a lot of other sports growing up, but basketball was the sport where our heart was.”
Basketball stole the Groves brothers’ hearts as kids, and then they turned around and stole the hearts of Inland Northwest basketball fans during their time at Eastern Washington University.
In the 2021 NCAA Tournament, the Groves brothers helped the Eagles take the fight to the powerhouse Kansas Jayhawks. Tanner led the way with 35 points, and Jacob added 23 as EWU nearly pulled off the upset.
From there, the two eldest brothers moved on to the Oklahoma Sooners, where they have spent the past two seasons.
“It was definitely a change of scenery to move out of Washington, go to Oklahoma, and experience basketball at a different level,” says Tanner,
the oldest. “Now I’m able to appreciate Washington basketball in a sense that I think it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Obviously Spokane and Hoopfest play a major part in that.”
Dylynn, the youngest, remembers watching his older brothers take to the streets at Hoopfest when he was too young to get on the court himself. Now a rising sophomore at Gonzaga Prep, Dylynn is blazing his own basketball trail just like Tanner and Jacob before him.
“We’ve lived most of our lives playing or coaching basketball, it’s something that my husband and I both really enjoyed doing,” says Tara, their mom and a former college basketball standout at Whitworth. “To have them fall in love with it like we did was just really awesome.”
“It’s like a kid’s dream to play Division I basketball, to get to travel around and play in the different arenas and play some of the teams they’ve been fortunate enough to compete against,” says Randy, their dad, and former Shadle Park and CCS player. “They’ve lived that dream, and Tara and I have lived it through their eyes. Getting to experience that as a family is pretty special.”
The eldest Groves brothers have spent most of their careers playing together, from Shadle Park to
Eastern and then onto Oklahoma, but there’s now a fork in their road.
Tanner wrapped up his senior season as a Sooner this spring and now looks forward to a professional career. Jacob, meanwhile, has one year of college eligibility remaining and will be playing his final season at Virginia, for another Inland Northwest basketball legend: former Washington State University head coach Tony Bennett.
“That was one of the things that I think really made the relationship that me and Coach Bennett have just click from the get-go,” Jacob says of their shared local connection.
With Jacob off to the East Coast, Tanner joining the professional ranks, and Dylynn grinding at G-Prep, this upcoming season will see the Groves brothers more scattered around the basketball world than ever before. After graduation at Oklahoma and just before Hoopfest, the trio was able to find their way back to Spokane.
It was the first time since Christmas that the whole family had been back at home, proving true what it says on the poster about how “all roads lead back to Hoopfest.”
Watch as Hoopfest’s best athletes defy gravity at Northern Quest Center Court in the Pavilion! Qualifying round is Saturday, June 24, at 2 pm; the finals are Sunday, June 25, at 3 pm. It is $10 to participate.
Show off your long-range game at this year’s 3-Point contest, your clutch shooting in the Free Throw Contest or your ability to hit from all over the court in the Hot Shot Contest at the Rodda Paint Contest Zone on Spokane Falls Boulevard by the Numerica Skate Ribbon. Saturday from 9 am -6 pm or Sunday from 9 am - 1 pm, entry is $5.
The Elite division hosts teams of the best ballers at Hoopfest, many of whom played at some of the highest levels of the game. Find the games at the Xfinity Elite Division along Spokane Falls Boulevard.
The annual half-court shooting contest runs Thursday through Sunday in a new location this year — inside Riverfront Park, north of the Orange Bridge. Three half-court shots cost you only $10; if you make one, you’re in the quarterfinals. Surviving finalists gather at 3:30 pm Sunday for a chance to win by dropping a half-court shot. The last man or woman standing drives home this year’s completely Hooped Out 2023 Toyota RAV4.
July
1. Dadbod Squad
2. Just Dood It
3. AllBackNoLegs
4. Swish Kabobs
5. Kareem Cheese
6. Swish Cheese
7. Bol Bols Bowls
8. Real Swish Shady
9. Nacho Average Squad
10. Bad Knees and Threes
11. FakeJsRealBuckets
12. Taco Cats
13. Blue Collar Ballers
14. Shaqtin’ A Fool
15. Cookin’ Currys
16. Mama Said KnockU Out
17. Six Pack Disciples
18. Sparkle Ponies
19. Nose Pick and Roll
20. Kawhi So Serious
21. Aggressively Average
22. Brotein Shakes
23. Mini Mamba
24. Hoopless
25. Straight Outta Shape
2 0 2 3
8th - August 12th
The Washington State Senior Games, in its 26th year of running the largest Olympic-style multi-sport event in Washington, is held at various sites throughout the South Puget Sound.
As a community event, Hoopfest is about a lot more than just basketball. Which is why for the second year Hoopfest has partnered with Amazon on the Amazon Backboard Contest.
Local artists were given the chance to submit designs to be featured on backboards at this year’s event. Of the entries, 13 were selected and will be on display at courts in the parking lot of the Liberty Building at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Stevens.
“With more than 30 years of history in Spokane, Hoopfest holds a special place in the hearts of our community,” says Amazon’s Keri Pravitz, manager of community engagement and public policy. “Many of our Amazonians grew up with great memories of the tournament, as spectators, players and coaches. We’re proud to celebrate local artists at Hoopfest with such a unique tradition.”
A wife and mother of four, Varozza has been working in design since 2015 with her brand Pollen and Pine Apparel.
“One thing that attracted me to this city was all the cool architecture. When thinking of Hoopfest, I wanted to create a design that incorporated basketball but also the city and state that hosts the event.”
A lifelong Spokanite, the 17-year-old Hickman is a graphic design student with a passion for art and basketball.
“Basketball has been a big part of my life, from watching Gonzaga with family and friends, to playing out in the streets on late summer nights and actually competing in Hoopfest a few times.”
“I am really excited for Hoopfest this year,” says 11-year-old Witt, who will be taking part in the event as both a player and an artist, thanks to his cosmic Sharpie and colored pencil backboard design.
“Something that inspired me was the universe connecting to basketball and Hoopfest. There are a lot of little details on my backboard: the black lines inside the thicker purple ones all connect; the sun, planet and comets are all basketballs. When you take a closer look, the basketball comet contrails change colors.”
An artist and athlete, 15-year-old Kujawski’s design was inspired by some of his favorite artists, Vexx and Gawx Art, as well as the art and design he sees around Spokane.
“My goal with this design was to make something that people found joy looking at and reminded them of the awesome city we call home. I tried to make a playful doodle full of Hoopfest- and Spokaneinspired drawings.”
Awards
JENNIFER CHAPARRO
Communications and Security
men and women of our subcommittees and volunteer positions.
You help us create magic, enrich lives and build a community every year. Thank you for all you do. And a special thank you to all Hoopfest court sponsors! We couldn’t do it without you.
— Hoopfest Team
JIM DIBBLE
LANCE DAHL
NATHAN MULKEY
KEVIN KELLER
DAVID OVERHOFF
TOM MICHAUD
Computer Applications
PAT DEVER AND MIKE BUSBY
Contest Activities
ARIANNE JOHNSON
Court Taping
Scott Jones Board Chair
Rick Betts Founder
Danny Beard
Brandon Haugen
Helen Higgs
Hubert Langenhorst
Mike Nilson
Rob Hartman
Tom Psomas
Shelbie Rabe
1-Stop Media Action Apparel
Baden Sports
Bank of America
College H.U.N.K.S
Hauling Junk and Moving
Davenport Hotels Collection
Eastern Washington University
First Interstate Bank
Gesa Credit Union
Gray Studios
Idaho Central Credit Union
Lee & Hayes
Propaganda
Creative
Ptera
Quantum Fiber
Rodda Paint
Takis
TDS Fiber
Ten Capital Wealth Advisors
The Great PNW Visit Spokane
University of Washington
Walker Construction
Dick’s Sporting Goods
King Beverage
LT Real Estate & Property Management
NBA All-World
No-Li Brewhouse
Northwest Orthopaedic Specialist
Open Square
River Park Square
Small But Mighty
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
T-Mobile
US Foods
Washington State Senior Games
RJ DEL MESE
Electrical Services
JIM DESTEFANO
Elite Division
JIM JACOBSON
High School Center Court
HEIDI SWARTZ
Information
CHARLOTTE FINNEGAN
IT Connectivity
DON HARTZOG
Maintenance Engineering
DAVE JACKSON
Master Scoreboard
SARAH OLSON
Merchandise
CLAIRE RAAP
Monitor Headquarters
GINA SCOTT
Northern Quest Center Court
HOLLY ELMER
Recycling/Clean-Up
CHRISTINA RIDENBAUGH
Retail Beverages
DARCY MARKHAM
Site Team Organization
SCOTT JONES
BLAKE JONES
Special Projects
JOHN KOENIG
BEV STAMPER
JIM OLSON
Sponsor Garden
KARI KOSTELECKY
Team Check-In
KATHLEEN SULLIVAN GARMAN
Tip-Off Party/Hospitality
KELI RILEY
Traffic Safety
ADAM JACKSON
Volunteer Coordination
CATHY SANTANGELO
Volunteer Lunches
JULIE LAIRD
3 Ninjas
Baba
Bean and Pie
BRGR House
Craftsman Cellars
Hello Sugar
Indaba Coffee Roasters
Maryhill Winery
Molé
Nectar Wine & Beer
New Love Coffee
The Scoop
The Tea Boba Bar
Umi Kitchen & Sushi Bar
Versalia Pizza
Sorella
Yards Bruncheon
Boutique Bleu
Fleet Feet
French Toast Mama & Mini
The Great PNW
Kendall Yards Night Market
Marmot Art Space
My Fresh Basket
Prairie Dog Mercantile
William Grant Gallery & Framing
SERVICES
Bloom Aesthetics
Core Pilates & Wellness
Inlander
Kendall Yards Welcome Center
Mom’s Custom Tattoo & Piercing
The Regenerative Institute
Spark Central
Every Wednesday through Sept. 20th
Experience the breathtaking sight of the sun setting over the river gorge from the patio while enjoying a meal. Encounter friendly faces as you cross paths with friends along the trail. Discover talented local food artisans just steps away from your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the joy of outdoor concerts and appreciate the beauty of public art. Foster a sense of community by knowing your neighbors. This exceptional urban neighborhood thrives on connection, making it the ultimate destination for living, dining, working, and engaging in recreational activities in Spokane.
For more information on our community scan here
kendallyards.com
