Hoopfest basketball tournament in Spokane canceled as COVID-19 cases climb

SPOKANE, Wash. — One of the most popular yearly events in Spokane is canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.

Hoopfest, known as the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, made the announcement on Wednesday.

“After numerous conversations with the Governor’s office, State Department of Health, City of Spokane, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and MultiCare Health System, it has been determined that Hoopfest 2021 is canceled,” Hoopfest announced. “This decision has been excruciatingly difficult, especially because the circumstances have significantly worsened in just the past 48 hours … It is with that in mind that we are following the guidance of the authorities to cancel the event scheduled for next month.”

Hoopfest was originally scheduled for Sept. 11-12. The nonprofit stated more than 6,000 teams, 3,000 volunteers and 225,000 fans participate in the yearly tournament. The event is also regarded as a major economic booster for the city of Spokane and surrounding businesses.

Hoopfest also canceled its 2020 tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registered teams will choose between donating registration fees or requesting a partial 20% refund.

“The reason for the partial refund is that until this morning, we were planning for the event in September, and had incurred many of the expenses necessary to execute the event,” Hoopfest stated Wednesday. “As a small non-profit, the past 16 months have been very challenging financially, and with your understanding and support we will survive this setback and be ready for Hoopfest 2022.”

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