Hoops Mania was the brainchild of David Chmelka, Scott Cowgill, and Steve Miles in 1990. Dave noted that other communities hosted basketball tournaments and they thought Grand Island had an ideal location and the facilities to host one of the best tournaments in the state.  Hoops Mania started with approximately 120 teams, and it has now grown to a capacity of 240 teams and has benefited a number of student athletes over the years.   One thing that makes our tournament unique is that we are able to put on a very well organized tournament with all volunteers!  Parents, athletes, coaches and alumni come together and provide a combined total of over 20,000 hours of volunteer work for the weekend.  We are very proud of the commitment they make to our youth and their continued efforts are what makes this weekend so successful.
 
Our tournament can host up to 240 teams, and we were at capacity for 2012 with a number of teams on a waiting list!  Due to the size of the tournament we can provide a positive experience for elite traveling teams as well as recreational teams by offering multiple divisions in each grade level.  The tournament is open to boys and girls grades 3-8.  All teams are guaranteed 3 games and we try to hire officials that are registered with the Nebraska Schools Activities Association.
 
We are also hopeful that if you visit our tournament you will have a chance to get out and enjoy the community between games.  Please visit www.visitgrandisland.com for information on activities in and around Grand Island.
 
We hope you can join us in January!