Get Your Team Ready For Some Nighttime Ballin’

Whether you're a player or a spectator, make plans to check out Night Under the Lights for the first time in Big Sky Country. This 3-on-3 basketball tournament takes place at the Shrine Auditorium with a couple of notable twists that set it apart from the annual Above the Rim Tournament.

First, this is a double-elimination tournament. This might ease a bit of tension for some teams knowing they can make a mistake or two and still end up on top. Second, and most notably, the tournament takes place at night. The court will, of course. be well lit and there is even a backup plan to move the tournament indoors if the weather doesn't cooperate.

As for the teams, they range from third and fourth graders all the way up to elite men's and women's teams. Of course, if you want to play, the sooner you get registered the better. Once you're team is assembled, you can find all of the registration information here.

The schedule for Friday and Saturday nights events is as follows:

Friday night -- Let the Fun Begin
Friday kicks off at 8 p.m. Teams from all divisions will play on the opening night of the tournament. The paint will be fresh and the parking lot of Shrine Auditorium will glow for the first “Night Under the Lights” 3-on-3 basketball tournament. There will be five divisions for grades 3-12 separated by gender. There will also be divisions for adult men, adult women, adult coed, and elite.

Saturday afternoon -- Championship Day
Given the previous evening’s festivities, you get to sleep in a little and start Saturday’s action at noon. Teams from all divisions will compete for the crown to become champion of their respective age groups. Remember, this a double-elimination tournament. So, even if you lost your game on Friday night, you could still win it all. Awards and photos will be taken of all of the winners in each division.

Champions will be able to brag about being Montana's first nighttime champion.