The number 23 has a certain special, larger-than-life connotation in basketball. And Hoopla looks to make its number 23 bigger than ever.
Hoopla, the second largest three-on-three basketball tournament in the world, is set to return to Salem for its 23rd year, this time with nearly a full week of action.
From Tuesday, July 12, to Sunday, July 17, the area around the Capitol Building will be taken over by courts and thousands of hoopers of all ages. The event includes three-on-three, two-on-two, clinics, skill competitions, dunk contest and more.
The event kicks off with a unified basketball clinic for middle school unified student-athletes on Wednesday, July 13 at 9:30 a.m. High school students’ have their own clinic on Thursday. The Unified Champion Program from SKPS promotes social inclusion, bringing together students with and without disabilities.
Later that day the Toyota 2-Ball Contest, Oregon State Park Skills Challenge and Pepsi Hot Shot Contest are scheduled.
On Thursday, two invitational two-on-two tournaments will take place, the Hoopla Men’s and Toyota Women’s Invitation Tournaments.
Friday offers a free kids clinic from Hoopla and the Salem Family YMCA, contest qualifiers and the Kona Ice two-on-two tournament. Registration for the Kona Ice tournament is open through July 12.
Saturday is the main day, featuring the start of the Hoopla XXIII Tournament, including opening ceremonies. Also on Saturday are the finals for the Home2 Suites Free Throw Contest, Columbia Bank 3-Point Shootout and the Dutch Bros. Slam Dunk Contest.
The event ends on Sunday with the final Hoopla XXIII tournament games and championship ceremonies.