Tim Gartska, Eastern States Exposition’s (ESE) Director of Sales and Sponsorship, visited Professor Michael Theulen’s sports management events class at Springfield College this past week.

ESE’s year-round calendar of events boasts major programming including The Big E, robotics shows, competitive agriculture events, historic activities at Storrowton Village Museum and more. However, Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney + Festival, could not be better aligned with Theulen’s course.

Garstka discussed ESE’s economic and community impacts on Greater Springfield, and a brief outline of the run of show for the three-day tournament. He provided visuals of the fairgrounds’ layout and demonstrated how the complex is divided into rows upon rows of professional basketball courts and primetime entertainment to create an atmosphere on nonstop gameplay and festivity.

Garstka also reiterated the event’s purpose: paying homage to the sport of basketball, which was invented at Springfield College. This is achieved by partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and businesses with missions that play well with our own. He broke down our many divisions, which create optimal opportunities for gameplay for women, men, children, OGs, amateurs, professionals and every player in between.

Lastly, he wrapped up his presentation with a synopsis of his own career history to show students how their own skillsets can be turned into a sports management career like the fulfilling one he has found with Hooplandia.

Garstka is grateful to Theulen, a longtime friend, for the opportunity to speak to his class, as well as to the college students that welcomed him. Interested in getting sports management experience through a major basketball event located in the heart of the sport’s history? Consider volunteering at Hooplandia 2026, June 19-21, or explore internship opportunities through our website.