Latest news with #Hooplandia
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hooplandia adds Pro-Am Division with $2.5K cash prizes in partnership with Kevin Garnett's ‘Hoop It Up'
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Hooplandia is raising the stakes for 2025 with the launch of a new Pro-Am Division, offering a $2,500 cash prize. The grand prize will be awarded to the top men's and women's teams, thanks to an exciting new partnership with Kevin Garnett's Hoop It Up—a move set to make this year's tournament the most competitive yet. For the first time in the history of Hooplandia, billed as the Northeast's Ultimate 3×3 Tourney + Festival, players 19 and older can register for a professional-amateur level division that promises elite matchups, high-energy action, and serious cash rewards. The pro-am division will be hosted in conjunction with Garnett's Hoop It Up organization, a grassroots basketball tour known for its worldwide reach and high-level competition. Set for June 20–22 in Springfield, the new pro-am bracket joins a packed Hooplandia lineup of age and skill-level divisions. Registration for all divisions is now open with limited spots available for the highly anticipated pro-am competition. Founded in 1989, Hoop It Up has long been regarded as a leading name in 3×3 basketball, drawing millions of players across the globe. The tour was acquired in 2019 by Garnett's Big Ticket Sports, which has since helped align the brand with several NBA franchises—including the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks—to develop tournaments and academies rooted in the FIBA 3×3 format. Hooplandia, hosted in partnership with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Eastern States Exposition, continues to grow as a destination event for basketball fans of all ages and backgrounds. This year's festival promises food, music, family-friendly entertainment, and hundreds of teams competing across dozens of courts. Players interested in competing for the cash prize can register now and begin preparing for one of the hottest basketball events of the summer. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Local athletes get their name written into history at Basketball Hall of Fame
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – From kids seven and under to adults, the 2024 Hooplandia champions are being recognized in the birthplace of basketball. Their names are now written in history right next to the greatest basketball players of all time. Those who take part in this year's Hooplandia have the chance to get their name on the walls at the Hall of Fame. The next generation of point guards and centers, their friends, and family got to witness this major milestone with some players saying this is just the beginning for them. 'I want to make it to the NBA, and if not get to the closest place possible,' shared Alejandro Recca, a member of the Springfield Ballers. 'Our 16U team went undefeated the entire time. They worked really hard so to have their name on this plaque means a lot,' shared Lamar Cook, Head Coach of Rick's Five Basketball. Friday evening's recognition turned into motivation for this upcoming Hooplandia. All eyes are on the next set of teams working for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their names written into the Hall of Fame. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hooplandia unveils wall of 2024 champions at Basketball Hall of Fame
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The champions of Hooplandia 2024 have officially secured their place in basketball history, with their names now displayed at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. On March 17, organizers of the Northeast's Ultimate 3×3 Basketball Tourney + Festival unveiled a new exhibit honoring last year's top-scoring teams, further cementing the event's growing legacy in the sport. Major events coming to Amelia Park Arena in April and May The exhibit features a Hooplandia-branded Spalding game ball and a striking image of two players locked in a high-intensity matchup. At its center, a commemorative plaque lists the names of 2024's champions—a tradition that will continue each year as new winners etch their names into Hooplandia history. For John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the exhibit represents more than just an annual honor—it showcases the power of partnership in advancing the game. 'The power of partnership is key to growing the game of basketball at every level,' Doleva said. 'When Eastern States Exposition and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame come together with a shared vision, we inspire the next generation of basketball players and elevate the game. The growth of Hooplandia is a prime example of how collaboration can fuel progress. Together, we're building a stronger, more inclusive future for the sport we love.' Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the significance of Hooplandia's inclusion within the Hall of Fame. 'Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an authority on the game of basketball at every level,' Cassidy said. 'It is imperative that Hooplandia be recognized among its exhibits. The plaque in the display will be replaced annually as countless more champions earn their place in the sport's very headquarters.' Basketball fans can visit the new Hooplandia exhibit during the Hall of Fame's regular operating hours with a museum admission ticket, available for purchase on their website. Meanwhile, as last year's champions enjoy their place in history, the next wave of competitors is preparing for their shot at glory. Advanced discount registration for Hooplandia 2025 is now open through May 26 with the tournament set to tip off from June 20-22. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Story from Explore Western Mass: Why Western Massachusetts is your next great family getaway
Explore Western Mass If you're planning a family trip for the next school break or long weekend, how about a destination offering unique attractions for the whole family? Whether you're traveling when there's still snow on the ground or after spring has sprung, there's a wealth of fun attractions and activities to explore in Western Massachusetts. Here's just a sampling of what you can discover. Oh, the places you'll go! Did your kids grow up reading Dr. Seuss books? If so, you'll want to check out the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, the town where Dr. Seuss—also known as Theodor Geisel—was born in 1904. Kids will enjoy the lively exhibits and interactive play stations. Even better, time your visit to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2). Then, stop at the nearby Springfield Science Museum, where budding scientists can indulge their curiosity about the natural sciences, anthropology and physical sciences. Through May 4, the Robot Zoo exhibit will explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work. Make sure to save time for a Seymour Planetarium show to further ignite their imaginations—the sky's the limit. Hungry for more? Take a trip through The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other beloved stories at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, where your children can learn how their favorite books were created. This venue is a slam dunk Did you know Springfield, Massachusetts, is also the birthplace of basketball? For fans of the world's most popular sport, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a must-see. Learn about the game from its very beginnings to today, experience the fun interactive exhibits and then test your skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." The Hall of Fame also hosts events year-round, so it's best to check their calendar before planning your trip. One highlight is Hooplandia, the Northeast's Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney and Festival in June. Shine a little light on the subject Creative kids will have a "scentsational" experience at the Yankee Candle® Village in South Deerfield, offering special events all year, including live music, games, seasonal attractions — and even the chance to create your own custom scent in a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Kids and kids-at-heart will be dazzled by the 7-foot-tall gumball machine and over 125 different types of candy. You can also enjoy craft beer, pizza, wraps and salads to fuel your visit. Make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring Candle Emporium featuring 200,000 candles. Get outdoorsy together While your kids may not be as awed by the area's stunning natural beauty as you are, the range of outdoor activities will thrill them. During winter, you can choose from numerous area resorts for activities, including skiing and snow tubing, such as Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont, for tons of family-friendly outdoor fun. Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, offers year-round activities, including cycling, boating, fishing, paddle sports and more. Adventure seekers will definitely want to check out Zoar Outdoor when the weather warms up. Offering whitewater rafting, paddlesports clinics, a zip line canopy tour, guided river kayaking and lodging, there's something for adventurers of all abilities. The ultimate family fun spot From April through October, you'll thrill the family with a day or two at Six Flags New England in Agawam, which offers exciting rides suitable for various ages, plus water rides, live shows, family entertainment, dining, shopping and more. Check the website for hours, reservations and other information to help you make plans before booking your travel. Entertainment galore You'll find all kinds of entertainment options for your family at the MGM Springfield Casino. While those under 21 aren't allowed on the casino floor, there's so much more to this resort that will make your family vacation memorable, including the city's only AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel (which also offers dog-friendly accommodations), ice rink, bowling alley, movie theater, rooftop pool, concerts and numerous dining options — not to mention close proximity to dozens of area attractions. Whatever makes your vacay special, you'll find it in Western Massachusetts. Plan your next amazing family adventure at
