MultiCare’s commitment to community shines through at Hoopfest
At a glance
- MultiCare was once again the official medical provider of Hoopfest
- Each year, MultiCare medical providers treat more than 1,100 injuries at the tournament
- MultiCare also supports youth leagues and community courts in partnership with Hooptown USA
When the world’s largest three-on-three basketball tournament takes place in city streets, on a hot June weekend, there are bound to be bumps and bruises.
Since 2017, MultiCare Health System has served as the official medical provider for Hoopfest, a two-day basketball tournament and beloved Spokane institution. Over the course of the tournament, medical teams provide free care for players and spectators of all ages.
“In my mind, there is no better showcase of the Spokane community and MultiCare values than Hoopfest weekend,” says Nicholas Strasser, DO, medical director for Hoopfest. “It brings individuals from all areas toward a common goal while promoting health. It is a joy to be part of the event.”
With three medical tents located throughout the tournament — which closes 45 city blocks and welcomes more than 5,000 players and 250,000 spectators annually — participants can receive quick and compassionate care for injuries ranging from ruptured Achilles to blisters. On-site imaging provides near-immediate diagnoses. And those requiring surgery or follow-up care can be scheduled right away.
Hoopfest injury report 2024
- Fractures: 29
- Achilles ruptures: 21
- Knee injuries (ACL/PCL/MCL): 24
- Dislocations: 23
- Concussions: 3
- Dehydration: 10
- Strains/sprains: 189
- Lacerations: 33
- Wounds: 296
- Blisters: 18
- Tape: 538
- Total: 1,184
Each year, more than 100 MultiCare medical providers and support staff volunteer to work in the medical tents. Their energy and enthusiasm are a testament to the medical staff’s passion for helping the community, Dr. Strasser says.
Interactions for blisters and tape may mean the difference between a player staying in the tournament or dropping out early. For conditions requiring a higher level of care, like fractures or knee injuries, the ability to receive prompt evaluation and care can bypass a costly trip to the emergency room and provide peace of mind for quick and thorough treatment.
“One year, one of my surgical colleagues had a patient with a significant injury that required surgical correction,” says Dr. Strasser. “The patient had such a good interaction with the surgeon at the medical tent, they delayed their flight out of Spokane so they could undergo surgery before traveling home from the tournament.”
MultiCare’s commitment to Hoopfest continues
Providing service to the community as the official medical provider is just one aspect of MultiCare’s partnership with Hoopfest and Hooptown USA.
“At MultiCare, we believe every community deserves a partner in health and healing, and we know that the health of our communities extends well beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics,” says Alex Jackson, chief executive for MultiCare’s Inland Northwest region. “That’s why we’re proud to have such a robust partnership with Hoopfest and Hooptown USA.”
MultiCare and Hooptown USA recently re-upped their partnership through 2029. MultiCare will continue to be the official medical provider for the Hoopfest tournament. The partnership also supports:
- A state-of-the-art basketball complex in Riverfront Park that made its debut at Hoopfest 2022
- Hoopfest’s network of 30-plus public basketball courts
- A Hooptown Hall of Fame at Riverfront Park, which opened in 2022
- Sponsorship of Hooptown Youth League (grades K-6), which will allow for reduced registration fees, scholarships and no-cost options, allowing more kids to engage in activities that keep them healthy and experience the joys and learning opportunities of kids’ sports
