A pre-tournament
affair was added and was held at the Holiday Inn in Oakland, with a free party for
all registered players. Almost 1,000 people turned out to meet radio personalities
and pro athletes, compete in sports trivia contests and take home plenty of prizes.
In 1993, The Classic was moved from the North Side to the parking lot of Station
Square. The change to a more convenient location was made to accommodate the growing
number of teams, players and spectators. The Corporate Division grew to 48 teams.
The U.S. Marine Corp first volunteered to serve as court monitors. Their presence
helped to assure that all games started and finished on time. With Marine discipline,
1993 Hoops Classic ended two hours earlier than the year before although there were
more teams and games.
In 1994, the tournament grew to nearly 700 teams and 2,500 players. And all the
action, excitement and fun of the tournament was featured on KDKA-TV’s “Madness
on the Mon” a 30-minute highlight show. The Tournament Committee always wondered
what they would do if it rained and at the 1995 Hoops Classic, they found out. Inclement
weather caused an hour delay in the afternoon. Play resumed and the 3-on-3 tournament
was back on schedule and in the championship round when a second thunderstorm caused
the cancellation of the finals. Teams that were in the winners bracket were declared
the bracket winner and teams in the losers bracket were declared the runners-up.
Still, more than 1,400 games were completed by 3,125 players on 814 teams, a new
record. More special events were added to keep the tournament exciting for players
and spectators.
In 1996 the tournament fielded 782 teams with a larger field of women and corporate
teams. A bank shot contest was added to the special events area and the food court
with seating arranged.
The Tip-Off party moved to the University of Pittsburgh in 1997 and 1998. The celebrity
division and wheelchair competitions were played in their entirety on Friday night
while registered players picked up their entry packets, snacked on treats, and participated
in trivia and special event contests for prizes.
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