Hoopla 2024: What to know for Salem street closures, schedule

After enjoying record-breaking participation last summer, Hoopla is back for its 25th anniversary and is slated to begin July 23.

The annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament drew 1,067 total teams in 2023. Tournament organizers are expecting a slight increase on that total this year as the event reaches a quarter-century of family fun and competition in Salem.

"I've been looking forward to this one for a while," Hoopla tournament director Jason Unruh said. "I've been involved since day one with this tournament, so what a milestone. It's hard to do anything for that long; to sustain it and keep growing. I'm just so proud of what we've created and been able to maintain. The people we get to deal with; the sponsors; getting to know the players, it's really a special time for our city. It's an event that brings people together of all ages and economic backgrounds. ... I'm really proud of how inclusive the event is of everybody.

"Whether you're a basketball player or not, it's just something that brings the community together."

Over the years, Hoopla has grown exponentially while adding a flurry of events throughout the week of the tournament.

"The first year, we had 151 teams. So, we've grown 10 times in size, or close to it," Unruh said of the inaugural tournament in 1999. "We had, like, hand-written brackets that we would staple to a piece of plywood. We were just in full-on survival mode. ... It's just amazing how far we've come. We've got this state-of-the-art app, and unbelievable partnership and sponsorship. In our 25th year we're still growing, it's just crazy."

In addition to the traditional 3-on-3 section, there are also 1-on-1, 2-on-2, three-point, free throw, and two-ball events throughout the week for all ages.

As was the case last year, team check-ins and preliminary contest rounds will be held at the YMCA at 685 Court St. NE. A site map for Hoopla can be found at oregonhoopla.com/week/courts

Salem street closures for Hoopla 2024

The following routes will be affected due to Hoopla:

• State Street between Cottage Street and 12th Street — 6 p.m. Monday, July 22, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Waverly Street between Court Street and State Street — 6 p.m. Monday, July 22, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Winter Street between State Street and Ferry Street — 6 p.m. Monday, July 22, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Cottage Street between Court Street and State Street — 6 p.m. Monday, July 22, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Court Street between 12th Street and Church Street — 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Winter Street between Court Street and Chemeketa Street — 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.
• Cottage Street between Court Street and Chemeketa Street — 6 p.m. Thursday, July 25, through 10 p.m. Sunday, July 28.

Hoopla 2024 schedule

• Tuesday, July 23: Build-your-own-division tournaments and corporate challenge tournaments, 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 24: Unified Basketball Clinic for middle school students, 10 a.m.; men’s and women’s 2-on-2 invitational tournaments, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, July 25: Unified Basketball Clinic for middle school students, 10 a.m.; 1-on-1 tournament, 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, July 26: Free kids’ clinic, 10 a.m.; Hoopla check-in, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; qualifying for the 3-point, free throw and 2-ball contests, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 2-on-2 tournament, 2-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 27: Hoopla check-in, 6:30 a.m.; Hoopla opening ceremonies, 7:45-8 a.m.; Hoopla 3-on-3 tournament games, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; contest qualifying, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 2-ball contest finals, 2 p.m.; free throw contest finals, 6 p.m.; 3-point shootout finals, 6:45 p.m.; hustle and sportsmanship awards, all day.
• Sunday, July 29: Hoopla 3-on-3 tournament games and championship ceremonies, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; hustle and sportsmanship awards, all day.

Jarrid Denney covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at JDenney@salem.gannett.com or on X @jarrid_denney