When the courts heat up for Hooplandia, June 20-22, so do the griddles; event organizers at Eastern States Exposition (ESE) have confirmed all their new and returning food vendors for the tournament, and this starting lineup can’t be beaten.
When fans and players alike are ready to refuel and recharge after hours of competitive gameplay at the Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Tourney + Festival, they’ll be delighted to encounter numerous locally based restauranteurs that appeal to every palette.
Macho Taco of Agawam, Mass., will bring back their birria vampiros, street tacos, empanada tacos, elote, esquites and fish tacos to the table. The Young Building is home to The Mick Express, presented to you by Mick Corduff of The Log Cabin in Holyoke, Mass. This year-round ESE vendor delivers all the time-honored staples of American cuisine. Their menu features classic cheeseburgers, fresh Caesar salads, giant pretzels, premium spirits from Dingle Distillery in Ireland and more.
Eddie Shore Enterprises offers three locations, including The Hub with fan-favorite concessions and The Penalty Box for alcoholic beverages, both located in the Mallary Complex. Their outdoor dining location, Xena’s Café, will serve their signature Smash Burger and light fare.
ESE takes an assist from their neighbors at Lattitude Restaurant and welcomes the return of the coveted 850 Degrees Artisan Wood Fired Pizza Truck, too! Imagine biting into crispy, woodfired crusts, complete with a masterful char, and a delectable selection of toppings.
Victory sure is sweet, and so are the many desserts available during the tourney. Enjoy cookies and muffin tops from Stella’s Milk & Cookies; refreshing shaved ice from Kona Ice of Manchester, Conn.; and delicious milkshakes from Sweetera & Co. of Springfield, Mass.
In addition to a broad array of food vendors, Hooplandia, powered by Hoop It Up and presented by Explore Western Mass, promises something for all senses. Whether you’re a registered team, a volunteer or an enthusiast interested in scouting it out for the first time, expect must-see entertainment, welcome the familiar smell of rubber, hear basketball backstories and the telltale squeak of sneakers when the beast of the Northeast returns once more.
Team registration has closed, but Hooplandia still welcomes volunteers! Sign up at Hooplandia.com.