"We have never been more excited to put this event on for our community": Hoopla organizers plan tournament to remember after year absence
The state’s largest tournament of its kind and the second largest in the world will be held on the streets surrounding the Capitol building Aug. 7-8, 2021
We were all tested in 2020, there’s no doubt. Sporting events and aspects of related life were among the many things we normally took for granted hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stadium and arena lights went dark and courts and fields were left empty, including the streets surrounding the Oregon Capitol last summer as Oregon Hoopla was forced to postpone its annual 3x3 basketball tournament.
Things are slowly changing for the better in 2021, and Hoopla couldn’t be more excited to announce that Oregon’s largest 3x3 basketball tournament is back. Hoopla XXII is once again ready to roll and set for another weekend of basketball and community fun Aug. 7-8, 2021!
"I have never been more excited to put this event on for our community,” Hoopla tournament director Jason Unruh said. “It is a highlight for so many people and to be back after missing last year and will make it that much more special for our teams, fans, volunteers and sponsors. Our crew is as motivated as it has ever been to provide the most meaningful and memorable event that we possibly can. It is shaping up to be a magical weekend."
Team registration for Hoopla XXII and the Kona Ice Friday 2x2 Tourney is open now at www.oregonhoopla.com/register. Other important dates are as follows:
- Monday, June 21: "Early Bird" registration deadline (save $20 per team!)
- Thursday, July 22: Hoopla XXII team registration deadline
- Tuesday, Aug. 3: Kona Ice Friday 2x2 Tourney team registration deadline
Organizers plan memorable event in 2021
For everyone who has offered their support and stuck with Hoopla during a year rife with challenges, tournament organizers couldn’t be more thankful. As such, organizers are taking steps to make sure Hoopla XXII is one of the most memorable in its history.
New divisions have been created to create a more competitive and rewarding environment for all participants. Hoopla has added Men’s Division V for the, well, less inclined but still basketball loving group; Family Recreational With Minor(s) allowing for kids to play in a more relaxed environment; and 50 & Older Division. Hoopla will also experiment with some new formats in the 17U and 11U Divisions and organizers are hopeful that this will result in a better experience for more teams. As usual, Hoopla will offer competitive and recreational divisions for boys and girls from 16U down to 12U as well as divisions for 10U down to 7U.
"Hoopla will be experimenting with some new formats in a couple of divisions and we have also added some new divisions for adults,” Unruh said. “All of the additions and trials are in a continuing effort to make Hoopla the best and most quality three-on-three basketball experience around."
Starting with a kick-off party and 2x2 tip-off tournament Thursday, Aug. 5, this year’s event will feature the Free Kids' Clinic presented by Drs. Howerton, Hopkin, Kennedy & Clark on Friday, Aug. 6, Kona Ice Friday 2x2 Tourney and popular skills competitions including the Capitol Toyota 2-Ball Contest, Pepsi Hot Shot Contest, Hampton Inn & Suites Free Throw Contest, Oregon State Parks Skills Challenge, Columbia Bank 3-Point Shootout, Win-A-Toyota Shooting Challenge, and – of course – the Dutch Bros. Slam Dunk Contest throughout the weekend.
For a full schedule of events, visit oregonhoopla.com/week/events.
COVID precautions to be taken
Organizers also understand that questions and concerns may still remain in regard to the effect COVID will have on this summer’s tournament. The tournament fully expects the landscape to look different in August than it does today, so guidelines at this time are fluid. But tournament organizers will be taking the utmost precautions to ensure the event is safe for fans and participants.
"Hoopla is committed to following all state, county and city guidelines in place at the time of the event to ensure the safest and healthiest event we possibly can,” Unruh said. “As the event draws closer, we will have a clearer picture as to what will be required of teams, fans, etc., and will communicate those requirements appropriately."
Hoopla looks forward to seeing you at the Grand-Daddy and largest of all Oregon 3x3 events this summer!