ARLINGTON — The ninth annual 3-on-3 X-travaganza basketball tournament is set for Aug. 10-11 at the Arlington Airport and is expected to draw hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators to the Arlington community.
“It’s so great for our community, we really want to keep it a fun community event,” said Nicole Roskelley, board member and public relations director for the event. “It’s been a part of the A-Town Hoops program for three years now, before it was hosted through the Boys & Girls Club and Tulalip Tribes.”
In 2012, the tournament drew 132 teams of four, both kids and adults, from fifth grade on up to senior adults. This year, third- and fourth-graders will have the option to play.
“We worked with Snohomish County Tourism and they estimate that we brought in more than $300,000 in income for the county,” said Roskelley. “Last year we had between 1,500 and 2,000 people brought into the area. We offer camping, rock music from local bands, food and more.”
The tournament is played in a double elimination format, with three games being guaranteed. Awards will be given to each division champion.
“We want to make it to a mini-Hoopfest and bring a lot of people into the community, and make it a big thing for this city and county,” said Roskelley. “There is the added benefit of helping out local merchants by bringing in so many people. We want to make this a big staple for the county.”
Registration is due by Aug. 1, with a fee of $112 per team. There is no cost to attend and cheer on each team, however, and there will be a number of opportunities for entertainment.
“We invite vendors out — a lot of vendors,” laughed Roskelley. “We have tons of food vendors with things like barbecue, SnoCones and hot dogs. We opened up the vendor booths to anybody that wants to be there, so last year we even had a jewelry lady come in, which was popular among the moms watching their kids.”
The tournament also donates a portion of its proceeds to the Arlington Relay for Life.
“It started a few years ago when a group of us on the board had friends and coaches and their families getting diagnosed with cancer at that time, so we set up a percentage to give to Relay for Life,” said Roskelley. “And our funds don’t just go to support basketball. We support all sports and even community organizations. If football kids come out and volunteer, they can get a percentage of the proceeds toward their sport. It’s a way to build up the community.”
Roskelley is hoping that the tournament continues to grow every year.
“There’s no cost to come and just visit the vendors — the more the merrier,” she said. “We are also working really hard with the Storm, to get the girls’ events out there more, and hopefully they will be here next year.”
The tournament is set for Aug. 10-11 at the north side of the Arlington Municipal Airport, located at 4700 188th St. NE in Arlington. Registration forms can be found at www.3on3x.com.
