For the Reporter
The event is still three months away, but sponsorship sales are brisk for the inaugural EmD3-ON-3 on Aug. 10-11.
Bob Fraser, Director of Operations at Emerald Downs and the lead organizer for the event, said local businesses and leaders are stepping up in big numbers to support the region’s biggest hoops extravaganza.
“The community response to our event has been amazing,” Fraser said. “We currently have 35 local businesses throughout the Auburn area and South King County that have confirmed their support through sponsorship at various levels for the tournament.”
To be played on 30 half-courts in the track’s north parking lot, EmD3-ON-3 will feature basketball games for players of all ages and playing abilities as well as food, music and a beer garden.
Cost per team is $120 with each team guaranteed at least three games and each player receiving a T-shirt and free admission to live racing that weekend.
A 3-point shootout also will be held with net proceeds benefiting the Auburn Valley YMCA.
Major sponsors include: Regence Health Care (presenting sponsor); Doxon Toyota (major nonprofit donor); Sterling Athletics (official basketball and apparel sponsor), City of Auburn, and the Auburn Tourism Board.
Court sponsorships – each basket features the sponsor’s logo – have been sold to a wide array of local businesses including restaurants, hotels, insurance companies and dentists.
“Everyone loves basketball and horse racing, and the two seem to compliment each other well,” Fraser said. “I look forward to a great turnout.”
EmD3-ON-3 is patterned after the successful Spokane Hoopfest, which in its 23-year existence has risen to heights with more than 27,000 players competing in 2012.
Mark Doxon, president and owner of Doxon Toyota, said EmD3-ON-3 also could grow and bring the local community together.
“EmD 3-ON-3 is a tremendous idea to bring some excitement to Auburn, and it has a great chance for growth the next few years,” Doxon said. “Emerald Downs, with the help of some local businesses and the involvement of the YMCA, could do a great thing for the kids in the area.”
The Auburn Valley YMCA has been named a benefactor of the event, and Executive Director Jason Berry said the YMCA is going to be heavily involved in the recruitment of players.
“It’s going to be a home run for the community,” said Berry, adding that the YMCA coordinates local youth and adult basketball leagues as well as basketball clinics. “Any donations we receive goes right back into basketball.”
With sponsorships going well, Fraser said the next step is to sign up players. Registration is available through July 28 on the event’s official website: www.emd3on3.com.
