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The best women’s 3×3 basketball players are descending on Saskatoon this week, competing alongside a newly-unveiled festival for the city. Here are five things to know about this weekend’s FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series tour stop and the XYE Urban Games:
1 — World’s best 3×3 players
The FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series brings together the top hoopers on the circuit. After hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Masters men’s competition for several years, Saskatoon will be the site of a women’s tour stop for the first time.
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The weekend “will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for Saskatchewan’s own Paige Crozon … to have the opportunity to play in front of family and friends on home soil,” Canada Basketball’s Ron Yeung said.
Crozon, who is from Humboldt, represented Canada at the Summer Olympics in Paris alongside teammates Katherine Plouffe, Michelle Plouffe and Kacie Bosch. The squad came oh-so-close to taking home a medal, but dropped a 16-15 decision to Germany in the semifinal and then a 16-13 decision to the United States in the bronze-medal game. Germany beat Spain 17-16 in the gold-medal game.
Crozon is ranked No. 1 in the world in the most recent FIBA 3×3 women’s individual rankings, based on results and individual performances in FIBA-endorsed events over the past 12 months.
2 — First time for the city
Running alongside the FIBA 3×3 stop will be the first YXE Urban Games. Starting Friday and continuing until Sunday, venues across the city are expected to be packed with participants, spectators, volunteers and others.
Discover Saskatoon CEO Steph Clovechok said she’s “excited for the legacy the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series will create for our city.” She credited the organizers and officials behind the two events, saying “their unwavering commitment is pivotal in bringing such a global spectacle to Saskatoon.”
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3 — Plenty to see
The YXE Urban Games will feature breaking, dodgeball, futsal, local 3×3 basketball tournaments, skateboarding, spikeball, ultimate frisbee, wakeboarding and wall climbing. (Some of the events are demonstrations and others are full competitions, such as Waterski Wakeboard Saskatchewan hosting the 2024 wakeboard boat national championships).
Urban arts and culture are also a part of the weekend. Murals, graffiti, Indigenous artists, local performers, art installations and food trucks will be found across different venues.
Discover Saskatoon was approached by local basketball star Mike Linklater, who represented Canada for years on the FIBA 3X3 World Tour. He attended the World Urban Games in 2019 in Budapest, and felt it was the type of event that could be celebrated in Saskatoon.
4 — Get your tickets
The main festival site in Victoria Park is a ticketed area, and includes the FIBA 3×3 venue at the Pawatetan court (a Cree word that translates to ‘let’s dream together’).
In advance, weekend passes are $20 for adults and $10 for youths (ages seven to 12), while day passes are $10 for adults and $5 for youths. At the gate, weekend passes are $25 for adults and $10 for youths, while day passes are $15 for adults and $5 for youths. There is no admission charge on Friday.
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5 — Other need-to-knows
Events run from Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. … Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the main venue … Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but refillable water bottles are, and water stations will be available in Victoria Park … Several of the events through the weekend are non-ticketed. Complete details and schedules are available at yxeurbangames.com.
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