DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Drake University men's and women's basketball teams are set to take to the streets of Des Moines again a week from today on Thursday, Oct. 6 for Drake Hoops Fest, a truly one-of-a-kind fan experience on Des Moines' at the intersection of 3^rdAvenue and historic Court Avenue.  
 
Musco Lighting will light up the court on Court Avenue, provided by Midwest Sport Construction. 
 
A Youth Clinic for the kids and Happy Hour for the adults will kick off Drake Hoops Fest from 5-6 p.m. with the programming starting shortly after 6 p.m. followed by friendly basketball competitions starting at 6:30 p.m.
 
Drake fans and young professionals looking to get the weekend started early will be able to take advantage of all the Historic Court Avenue District has to offer, plus the first 500 fans receive a Des Moines' Hometown Team beer mug. Food trucks, pizza slices and mug beer specials at select Court Avenue bars will also be available.
 
In addition to previewing the basketball seasons, several Drake fall sports teams will make appearances along with the Drake band, cheer squad, dance team, and Griff II. 
 
Drake Athletics is also excited to welcome local trick shot artists and social media stars Mike and Trent from That'll Work to compete in their popular challenges. That'll Work has 5 million followers on TikTok and another two million on YouTube. In total, their videos have compiled more than 10 billion total views. 
 
The various competitions at Drake Hoops Fest include a 3-point contest, challenges with That'll Work, a dance competition, and a basketball relay with a youth participant. 
 
Inflatables, dress like a bulldog photo booth, and a prize wheel will be available for kids.
 
Drake University's Student Activities Board will provide transportation for Drake students with pick-up at Olmstead before dropping students off downtown near 4^th Ave. and Court Ave. SAB will release exact times and more details through their social media channels. 
 
Only at Drake Hoops Fest, Drake Athletics will offer an exclusive ticket. The Drake Hoops Fest Bundle contains a ticket for the Drake men's basketball game vs. Northern Iowa on Feb. 1 and a ticket for the Drake women's basketball game vs. Iowa on Nov. 13. Two games for $30 with an exclusive link for fans to purchase tickets on their phone at Hoops Fest. 
 
Drake Hoops Fest will conclude at 8 p.m., but it's just the beginning of a huge weekend with the Knapp Center opening Friday (Oct. 7) and Saturday (Oct. 8) as the Drake volleyball team returns home for the first time this season. Drake football hosts San Diego on Family Day Oct. 8 and Drake women's soccer welcomes Murray State to Drake Stadium on Sunday (Oct. 9). 
 
Drake Hoops Fest Youth Clinic 
Hosted by the Drake men's and women's basketball teams, kids K-6^th grade will have the opportunity to learn from the Bulldogs free of charge. Parents are encouraged to RSVP and complete the waiver prior to check-in at https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vFjjBxaHTGtJ3M