
Photo Via Tourism Kamloops
Downtown Kamloops is set to come alive with energy, competition, and community spirit this weekend as Hoops in the Loops, the city’s annual outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament, hits the streets this weekend.
Organized by Sean Garvey and his team, the event has grown into one of the region’s most exciting summer kickoffs, drawing athletes of all ages and skill levels, from kids and local teams to semi-pro players and high-flying dunk contest competitors.
“This group does a really nice job every year,” said Downtown Kamloops BIA Executive Director Howie Reimer. “It’s a family event. You’ve got boys, girls, women’s teams, and then it builds up to the high-level guys. The slam dunk contest is always a crowd favourite. It’s quite a spectacle.”
The event transforms the downtown core, shutting down a few blocks to set up multiple courts in the heart of the city. Reimer says the impact on the downtown economy is significant, especially for food and beverage businesses.
“We get a few thousand people through over the weekend,” he said. “The restaurants and bars usually do really well. For other retailers, it’s often more of a residual effect. Maybe you’re not buying a wedding dress on the day… but you see a shop you might come back to another time. It helps keep downtown top-of-mind.”
City staff and council have been instrumental in making events like Hoops in the Loops possible with Reimer pointing to the continued cooperation on permits and logistics.
Beautification on the Horizon
The weekend’s excitement comes on the heels of a significant boost for downtown improvement efforts. The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association was recently granted $1.25 million in public realm funding, which will support a variety of beautification and enhancement projects.
“It’s not our money, but we’re stewards of it. We’re already putting it to work,” Reimer said. “We’ll be replacing the tattered banners downtown, and we’re hoping to bring in some festive lighting for this year.”
Reimer said the KCBIA is preparing requests for proposals and opening up public intake for community-driven project ideas.
“We’re already halfway through the year, and these companies are busy, so we’re moving quickly. But we’re really excited to bring some much-needed vibrancy to the downtown.”
As for this weekend, Reimer is encouraging the public to come out and enjoy the action—and to take a moment to experience downtown Kamloops in full swing.
“Whether you’re here for the basketball, the food, or just the vibe—it’s a great way to reconnect with our city,” Reimer said.