In 2019, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Biz Ball event on the Virginia Street Bridge to help mark the chamber’s 100th anniversary. The well-received event returns Friday, July 15 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year’s version will see a few adjustments from its first go-round. The 3-on-3 person basketball tournament was originally crafted in place of another golf event in the area. When CEO Ann Silver and Taylor Russo first founded the idea of a basketball tournament, it was “basketball on the bridge.” Silver’s brother, NBA commissioner Adam Silver, flew out to Reno and was quickly on board with the idea. “We saw the site and I instantly saw why it had the opportunity to be so special,” said Adam Silver in a 2019 interview, who signed off on the NBA sponsoring the inaugural Biz Ball event. Event changes All the games will be played indoors this year at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S Virginia St., after temperatures rose over 100 degrees on the asphalt during the event in 2019. While air condition will be a nice perk for the players, the three divisions from remain the same. This year will once again feature a beginner, intermediate and advanced divisions to separates participants based on skill level. The 3-on-3 tournament limited its number of team entrants for the 2022 event, but has adjusted the format of the tournament to double elimination. “We’re finally glad to be able to get it going again,” said Connor Naisbitt, the Chamber’s director of operations. “We decided to do double elimination to allow teams to play more than once. … We have a division for any sort of person that would like to play.” However, the intermediate division is full leaving registration for the beginner and advanced divisions remaining. Each game is 10 minutes in length and will be played across six different half courts this year. Six games will take place simultaneously to keep the event flowing. Games will start at 9 a.m. and run throughout the day until the conclusion of the tournament. Prizes will include trophies, NBA summer league tickets, NBA swag, Southwest Airlines tickets and other donations from the community. “It was something different and something new,” said Naisbitt. “It’s completely open to the public. Anyone can come and watch games, see the booths. We will also have side games for anyone who wants to participate.” A 3-point contest, bank shot contest and a free throw contest will be some of the side games offered to anyone in attendance. The event is free for the public to attend. “We want to bring the community and the business community together,” said Naisbitt. “This one is community and business driven. We just want to put on a fun event with everyone involved.” Music will be provided by Quedup entertainment during the event. For businesses looking to get involved, company booths can still be purchased and will include an eight-foot table with two chairs. Those who wish to register can still do so online at www.thechambernv.com or by calling Naisbitt at 775-636-9550 or email cnaisbitt@thechambernv.org.
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