Hoop Shoot - Finalist FAQ


All attendees, including National Finalists, are required to abide by the Hoop Shoot National Finals Code of Conduct.


Registration

Q: My child is a Finalist. Do I have to register them?
A: Yes. All attendees - Finalists, family, friends and fans must register. Registration allows you to select which events you wish to attend, provide any critical information such as allergies or special assistance, and pay for additional charges if necessary.
Q: Which events do I have to pay for?
A: All events are free for the National Finalist and up to two parents/guardians. Any additional family members or guests must purchase tickets to each individual event.
Q: When does registration close?
A: Registration closes on Friday, March 27.
Q: If a family member or friend needs to cancel their registration, will they get their money back?
A: Registration cancellations received after Monday, April 6 - including those on site in Chicago - will not receive a refund.
Travel & Lodging

Q: How many people can be in one hotel room?
A: Illinois law allows a maximum of four people per hotel room.
Q: If I have more members of my family coming, how do we book additional hotel rooms?
A: After completing registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to reserve additional hotel rooms, if needed. Additional rooms are available for $209 a night (plus tax).
Q: Which Finalists are eligible to fly to the National Finals?
A: Families may choose to fly if their home address is farther than 250 miles from Chicago. Finalists from North Central Region 3 (Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) and Great Lakes Region 4 (Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio) are within driving distance.
Q: Are families who drive reimbursed?
A: Families who live less than 250 miles from Chicago and drive are reimbursed for mileage at the rate of $0.70 per mile round trip. We also cover the daily parking of one car per family at the hotel. Additional parking is available for $70/day.
Q: Will checked bags be paid for?
A: No. Families are responsible for checked baggage fees.
Q: If I have additional family members coming, aside from the Finalist and two parents/guardians, can the travel agency book their flights as well?
A: The flight for the Finalist and up to two parents/guardians/family members will be booked for free through ATC. One flight must be the Finalist, one must be a parent or guardian, and the third flight can be another family member. ATC can help families book flights for other family members for a $36 service fee.
Q: How do I get to and from the hotel?
A: Families are responsible for booking transportation, but a $150 stipend for transportation to and from the airport will be sent to families before their arrival in Chicago. Visit enf.elks.org/AirportTransport for more information.
Q: What do I do if my flight gets cancelled?
A: Please continue to the airport and allow the airline to properly book you an alternate flight.
The Big Weekend

Q: When is the National Finals?
A: The National Finals are April 16-19, 2026. The contest will take place at Wintrust Arena on April 18.
Q: When should I get to Chicago?
A: We ask that all Finalists and their families to arrive in Chicago on Thursday, April 16. If a Thursday arrival is not possible, families must arrive in Chicago by 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17.
Q: Will there be a time for Finalists to practice before the competition?
A: There will be practice gym time on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17. The gym is in walking distance from the hotel, and only one parent/guardian can accompany the Finalist. Please check the app after registration for the list of practice gym times, both open gym and scheduled times by region are offered.
Q: When will the shooting order be announced?
A: The shooting order will be announced live on Monday Madness through the ENF's YouTube channel on Monday, April 13.
Q: Where can I see the weekend schedule?
A: An abbreviated schedule can be found online here. The full schedule is only available in the Hoop Shoot app after registration.
Q: What kind of basketballs will be used at the contest?
A: New Wilson Evolution Game Basketballs will be used during the contests.
Q: If our family or friends can't come to Chicago, is there a way they can still watch the contest?
A: Livestreams of the contest will be available at enf.elks.org/HSLivestreams.
Q: What should Finalists wear?
A: FunFest is casual dress. For the contest, Finalists should wear their warm-ups and contest attire. At the Awards Banquet, Finalists are encouraged to wear their warm-ups, and adults are encouraged to dress business casual.
Preparation

Q: What is the Elks Hoop Shoot Code of Conduct?
A: The Elks National Foundation is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all attendees, volunteers and staff. Upon registration, all attendees, including National Finalists, must confirm their acceptance of this code of conduct to attend the Elks Hoop Shoot National Finals. For a downloadable PDF of the Code of Conduct, click here.
Q: Can I download the app before I register?
A: No. Registration must be completed to receive the code to register for the event app.
Q: When are the Finalist surveys due for the trading cards?

A: The deadline is based on the Finalist's region.

  • Region 7: February 27
  • Regions 2, 6 and 10: March 13
  • Regions 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12: March 20
Q: What do I need to complete the Finalist trading card survey?
A: Your Finalists' answer to a couple of questions (favorite book, dream vacation, etc.) and two or three unedited, high-quality individual photos of your Finalist. Please submit at least one horizontal and one vertical option.
Q: What are Best sWishes?
A: Best sWishes are digital messages of support that friends, family, community members, schoolmates and Lodge members can send to their Finalist. The deadline to submit messages is Wednesday, April 1.
Q: What is the weather like in Chicago?
A: Chicago weather in April can be unpredictable. Please be prepared for any circumstance by packing clothes for warm and cold weather.