Have fun and stay safe at Hoopfest

Michele Anderson, Public Safety Communications Manager


Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 11:01 a.m.


To ensure the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world remains safe and fun, City of Spokane public safety officials ask attendees to follow a few safety tips.

The Spokane Police Department will be helping to provide security and safety for all Hoopfest fans. In addition, the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain will be working throughout the event. Additional behind the scenes measures will be implemented as well.

To help ensure the safety of people attending as well as those that are in the area, public safety officials are asking for the community’s help by following a few safety tips:

  • Choose an alternative route to avoid congestion if you do not need to be downtown.
  • Take public transportation if you can.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement officials.
  • Never leave children unattended.
  • Lock ALL vehicle doors and secure windows. If possible use a vehicle anti-theft device.
  • Do not leave any valuables in vehicles.
  • Drivers should slow down and be aware of extra pedestrian activity.
  • Pedestrians should exercise extra caution and watch for traffic.
  • Do not leave purses or bags unattended.
  • Animals are prohibited during special events, so please leave them at home (service animals are permitted).
  • Remember open containers of alcohol are not allowed.

Yellow and/or red bags have been placed on many meters in the downtown area. Please do not park at meters that are bagged or your vehicle will be towed. These areas will be used for Hoopfest equipment, emergency vehicles, event equipment vehicles, and STA buses.

With warmer temperatures expected for the event, the Spokane Fire Department wants to remind attendees and participants of the importance of preventing heat related illnesses by following a few safety tips:

  • Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
  • If you are active, monitor your physical condition and that of your friends or teammates for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
  • Drink plenty of water – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

Throughout the year, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to your Spokane Police and Fire Departments. We are dedicated to making sure our community is safe and secure each day of the year and during all of our special events.

The 2018 Hoopfest map can be found here.



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Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911

Mental Health Crisis
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988

Crime Check
Non-emergency police services: call 509.456.2233 to report crimes no longer in process or submit crime tips.
Crime Check Online Reporting also available.

City Services
Non-emergency reporting of potholes, graffiti, or unlawful camping, utility billing, and general information on city services: call 311 or report online

Social Services
Social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help: call 211

For general police email contact:
SPDWebMail@spokanepolice.org

Media Relations Contact

Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org