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Hoopfest weekend attracted thousands of players to Spokane

Kids, coeds and pros. This past weekend more than 250,000 people turned out to the city of Spokane for the twenty-third annual Hoopfest weekend.

More than 7,000 teams took to 458 courts stretching across 42 blocks in downtown Spokane.

"We had to turn away over 200 teams," said Hoopfest Chairman Terry Kelly. "The demand continues to grow each year and the numbers reflect that."

From ages 8 to 76 and all experience levels, approximately 20 percent of the teams came from west of the Cascades - Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham etc. The teams traveling to Eastern Washington to compete in the world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament.

Hoopfest brought not only athletes and fans, but also their money. The city of Spokane generated over $38 million to its local economy and raised over $1.4 million for charity.

"Hoopfest is awesome for Spokane," said player Ryan Caballero. "Having everyone here and some many people around is just exciting."

Notable highlights of the event included the Nike Center Court Slam Dunk contest, Jamal Crawford's celebrity basketball game and the elite division champions.

Team TBA snagged their third women's elite division championship and team Douglass Properties won their first men's 6-foot-and-over elite division championship title.

Junior Communication major at Pacific Lutheran University.