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Authorities Urge Safety, Hydration For Hoopfest Participants, Fans

Jeremy Burnham/SPR

Hoopfest Spokane, the nation's largest three-on-three basketball tournament, returns this weekend. The Spokane police and fire departments want the event to be safe and fun for everyone.

Anyone who has been downtown during the event knows it brings increased traffic. Spokane public safety spokeswoman Michele Anderson suggests people drive alternate routes around if they need to move through the core during the event or to ride public transportation.

For those wanting to attend, Spokane Transit will provide shuttle service every 10 minutes on both Saturday and Sunday. The Jefferson shuttle will board passengers at 4th Avenue and Jefferson and serve the west side of the tournament area. The Riverside shuttle will board at the Riverpoint campus on Spokane Falls Boulevard and serve the east side of the area. Parking is free at both pickup areas and a daily shuttle pass through downtown will cost $1.75.

Weather forecasters predict daytime temperatures will be in the 70s through the weekend. The fire department is reminding players and fans to stay hydrated throughout and not wait until they're thirsty to drink water.