The stage was set for one of the biggest basketball tournaments in Hoboken: the third annual Vail Stones x Street Friends Basketball Tournament in loving memory of Christopher Garcia, powered by What Hoboken Sounds Like.
- When: Sunday, July 9, 2023, starting at 9 AM
- Where: between 5th and 6th on Marshall Drive, Hoboken, NJ 07030
- Format: a one-day, one-game-elimination tournament with free food and a live DJ
Film and photos by @whyarefilms, @official_saintt, @zayfilms4 and Tato With The Camera.
Save the date
Mike Singleton announced the date in June: "It's going down July 9th!" He dedicated the third annual tournament to his cousin Christopher Garcia, who passed away the previous September. Team KYY had won the first two years. Who would win Year 3? The deadline to enter a team was June 30, and donations and sponsorship inquiries went to @vailstones by DM or vailstonesvs@gmail.com. Flyer designed by Design Mafia Inc..
"I need all my hoopers to come out and show out! Pick your best team and may the best team win!"
Shot by @whyarefilms.
The first teaser came on June 4: "It's about to be that time of the year," with Year 3 dedicated to Christopher Garcia and details coming soon.
Behind the camera: @whyarefilms.
The sponsors and support
- Sponsored by: @motivateyou.app, @littlelinguistshoboken, @designmafiainc, @hive.athletic, @hobokenhousing, @nneighbors_, @rob_montanez_, @1stopshopjc, the Hoboken Fire Department, @augies419, @coaches101_a_nj_non_profit, @royalty_event_services
- Music: DJ Dug Spin and DJ BriPee (then @bripee07)
- Food and beverages: @eatswithambs, @lisasitaliandeli, @tastebuds_hob, @the_brick_hoboken, @cake.life.llc, @sweet_lyfe02, @dogood_donuts, @not_ur_regular_coffee_
- Official game day energy drink: @vibal.energytea
- Arts and crafts: @thekidsfolio
A part of Hoboken history
On Sunday, July 9, the community gathered in honor of Christopher Garcia, who lost his life in that very area. The message was clear: even in the most difficult moments, the community has to come together to help prevent such acts from ever happening again. That part of town is often regarded as the worst, "but that is hardly true and this shows just how much love can change all!" Christopher embodied that: it didn't matter what part of Hoboken you were from, "we are all one."
The tournament opened with kids' games, then adult games, with hundreds in attendance. Bigger than the year before, it meant so much more. More than 28 sponsors from all over the city made it possible, and despite an 80% chance of rain the games reached the final rounds, with the finals set to finish soon after. The organizations thanked every sponsor, donor, volunteer, photographer and videographer. "Chris, hope we made you proud!"
The highlight reel was made by @iron.manda_ with clips from Tato With The Camera, @espo_visuals and Mile Square Mommies, with more photos from @official_saintt, @roberto_rosa3rd and @shot.by.spray.
Additional clips came from @whyarefilms, and more photos and videos from @zayfilms4.
The tournament also hosted the drop of the Vail Stones Summer Collection '23 and DJ Dug Spin's preview of Jonboiiera's "Back Outside". See also: Year 4 in 2024 and the short documentary honoring Christopher.
Look back at the 2nd annual Vail Stones Basketball Tournament in 2022.
Follow @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.