SPOKANE, Wash. — Local businesses are staffing up and getting creative as they prepare for thousands of visitors to make their way into downtown Spokane for the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament this weekend.
On June 28-29, players from all over the world will hit the courts to play in the 35th annual Hoopfest Tournament in downtown Spokane.
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Cafes and restaurants along the tournament route are bracing for the annual rush that brings tens of thousands of basketball players and spectators to the city’s core.
Debra Green, owner of Madeleine’s Cafe & Patisserie, said they are getting ready to welcome hundreds of customers.
“Anticipation kind of builds all week. We start getting busier as people come into town,” Green said.
Her cafe, located directly next to the tournament action, expects constant lines out the door during Hoopfest weekend. To manage the crowds, Green’s team is ready with a few creative solutions to streamline service.
“For two days, we put a big table outside, and we serve things like fruit cups and yogurt cups to go outside our pastries and popsicles, and more beverages,” Green said. “That way, if folks just want something quick they can grab it out there and not even have to come inside.”
The cafe will also stock grab-and-go items inside to help get customers back to the courts as quickly as possible.
A few blocks away, O’Doherty’s Irish Pub is also preparing for the weekend rush. Manager Ryan Giese says the establishment sees non-stop activity from the moment they open.
“It’s a lot of fun. It’s very busy. Pretty much right out of the gate. So, we staff up, order heavy and get going,” Giese said.
However, not all downtown businesses benefit from the massive crowds. Despite having games played directly outside their storefronts, some retailers see decreased sales during the tournament.
John Waite, owner of Auntie’s Bookstore and Uncle’s Games, said the crowds don’t translate to increased business for his stores.
“You pay people a decent amount to be around and work. We have a pretty big staff, and it’s hard to just have the store open when we’re not making any money,” Waite said.
Waite’s other business Merlyn’s will be open all weekend. Auntie’s Bookstore will remain closed Saturday but plans to reopen Sunday and would appreciate the community’s support.
Hoopfest brackets are live now! Click HERE to see who’s playing who and where this weekend.
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