La Vela Streetball
Three days of 3x3 basketball, music, and festivities at La Vela in Avane, Empoli
About La Vela Streetball
Empoli's 3x3 Playground
La Vela Streetball is the summer highlight for street basketball in Empoli, in the heart of Tuscany. For three days, the spacious outdoor grounds of La Vela Margherita Hack, located at Via Magolo 32 in the Avane district, come alive with hoops, basketballs, and cheering crowds. The 3x3 tournament brings together men's and women's teams across various age categories, from youth to adults, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and celebration.
More than a tournament: a neighborhood festival
This event is much more than just a sporting competition. Organized by USE Basket Empoli in collaboration with local associations and the Avane Youth Center, La Vela Streetball stems from the Social Sport project, designed to engage young people with the sport and promote the value of community. Surrounding the courts are various food and drink stalls set up in partnership with local businesses, alongside an entertainment program featuring live music that runs from day into night.
Sport, community, and local spirit
The winning formula of La Vela Streetball lies in its perfect balance between athleticism and fun: by day, it's all about the game; by night, it's time to grab a bite, enjoy the music, and catch up with friends. The event is a key part of Empoli's summer calendar and the national Italian street basketball circuit, drawing athletes from across the Valdarno region and beyond to Avane.
A free event for everyone
Open to all with free admission, La Vela Streetball has quickly become one of the most anticipated sporting events of the Empoli summer. Families, basketball enthusiasts, and curious passersby are all welcome to watch the matches, cheer on local teams, and soak up the informal atmosphere of a massive outdoor playground—a true symbol of a city that has always lived and breathed basketball.
La Vela Streetball — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of La Vela Streetball 4.0 was held from June 11 to 13 at La Vela Margherita Hack, Via Magolo 32 in the Avane district of Empoli, starting at 10:00 AM. The 3x3 basketball tournament, organized by USE Basket Empoli with the Avane Youth Center and other local associations, featured men's and women's teams competing in various age-based categories.
The event was part of the broader Jump Festival summer calendar in Empoli. Around the courts, various food stalls in collaboration with local businesses and live music animated the three days. For the occasion, the Municipality of Empoli issued a safety ordinance (no. 255) prohibiting glass, cans, and pepper spray in the area from 10:00 AM to midnight.
Programme La Vela Streetball 2026
Tournament format
Three days of 3x3 basketball at La Vela Margherita Hack in Avane, starting at 10:00 AM.
- Categories: Men's and women's teams divided into various categories based on age (from youth to adults).
- Venue: Outdoor area of La Vela Margherita Hack, Via Magolo 32, Avane (Empoli).
- Entertainment: Various food stalls in collaboration with local businesses and live music throughout the day.
Details on the brackets and schedules for individual categories are managed by USE Basket Empoli, the tournament organizer.
Highlights La Vela Streetball 2026
Prices La Vela Streetball 2026
Practical information — La Vela Streetball
Getting there
La Vela Margherita Hack is located at Via Magolo 32, in the Avane district of Empoli. By car, it can be reached via the SGC FI-PI-LI (Empoli exits); there is ample parking nearby. By train, Empoli station is served by the Florence-Pisa line and is just a few minutes from the venue.
Hours and admission
The event runs from the morning until late at night. Admission is free. For 3x3 tournament team registration, please contact USE Basket Empoli.
Good to know
For safety reasons, a municipal ordinance is in effect during the event prohibiting glass bottles, cans, and pepper spray within the area and its immediate surroundings. All drinks are served in paper or plastic cups.
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Where does it take place — La Vela Streetball
La Vela Margherita Hack
Via Magolo 32, 50053 Empoli