Announcements were handed out to tenants in the downtown area in early May, advising that a 3-on-3 basketball tournament will take place in downtown Casper May 27-28 as part of a Memorial Day celebration. Divisions of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to hit the pavement, during the annual 3X3 Basketball Tournament.
“Last year we had 111 teams, and we’re hoping to get 150 this year. Because of the number of different divisions, competition is separated evenly, so the games are fun to play in and fun to watch. We get some high-level talent,” Tournament Director John Giantonio said. Teams from Rock Springs, Sheridan, Gillette and a handful of out-of-staters participated last year. Division winners have the opportunity to qualify for national Hoop It Up competitions.
The hoop action will be just part of this celebration. In addition to the annual Cruizin’ with the Oldies Car Show downtown, a live DJ will be playing music, and several food and drink vendors will be serving players and spectators. Officials say that a bungee-trampoline will be onsite, and Sunday afternoon will cap off the festivities with a dunk contest.
“Downtown really came to life last year during the event, and we’re excited to bring that atmosphere back. We want this to be an all-around outstanding experience so it becomes an annual anchor event like the Balloon Festival or Christmas Parade. You don’t come to these tournaments to play basketball for 24 hours straight, so in addition to all of the great restaurants, shopping and accommodations Casper already has, we’re throwing a big, fun party downtown,” Giantonio said.
Giantonio is predicting that the tournament will only grow with the area’s expansions, including the David Street Station and several new restaurants and bars scheduled to open in the coming months.
- Beginning on May 26 at 3 pm until May 28 at 7:30 pm, the notice given to downtown tenants says that several streets and alleys will be closed for the event:
- Yellowstone Highway- Ash Street to Center Street
- David Street- Entry to Wy Central Credit Union on 2nd Street to Midwest Avenue
- Alley- Between Center Street and David Street, South of 2nd Street
- Alley- Between Midwest and Yellowstone Highway
- Entrance from Parking Lots to David Street
