CLEVELAND — EDITOR’S NOTE: The video above previously aired on June 17, 2022, when NBA and city leaders dedicated a historical marker at the site of the famous 1967 Cleveland Summit.
A new partnership between the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Cavaliers will bring a six-week NBA-style basketball tournament to Cleveland.
The announcement came as part of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s comprehensive violence prevention strategy.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and we are focused on creating opportunities for our residents to participate in a variety of programs providing intervention and education,” stated Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “We are excited to launch Hoops After Dark in the community and are so grateful to the Cavs for their ongoing support of our efforts to stop violence before it starts.”
The tournament will support the Mayor’s vision of creating safe neighborhoods in Cleveland.
The eight-team tournament will run from July 11 until Aug. 19. Tryouts for the league will be held on Monday, June 27, at the Cudell Recreation Center and Wednesday, June 29, at the Zelma Watson George Recreation Center from 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in getting transportation to the tryouts must arrive at one of these recreation centers by 8 p.m.
Cleveland Estabrook (4125 Fulton Rd.)
Gunning Park (16700 Puritas Ave.)
Glenville (680 E. 113th)
Frederick Douglass (15401 Miles Ave.)
Cleveland Thurgood Marshall (8611 Hough)
Fairfax (2335 E. 82nd St.)
“The Hoops After Dark initiative to give young men in our community positive direction and opportunities to help them find the right path is the type of program we enthusiastically support,” said Cavaliers CEO Nic Barlage. “We are investing in the future of these men and in our city and neighborhoods.”
An hour before each game, participants will attend life skill workshops on job readiness, financial literacy, gun safety and more.
Many NBA-style activities will take place throughout the tournaments, such as a championship game and other celebratory events.
Once the tournament begins, two games and practices will be held each week at the Cudell Recreation Center and Zelma Watson George Recreation Centers.
Games will be played on Monday and Wednesday nights, with required workshops taking place before the game.
Anyone interested in finding out more about Hoops After Dark can click HERE.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on June 15, 2022.