Springfield attempts to knockout world record

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a game of knockout that could go down in history.

Center court at the Basketball Hall of Fame will be home to an attempt to break a world record.

Lines are already all set up, and if they can get enough people to participate, Springfield will be in the Guinness Book of World Records.

You don't even have to be a star athlete to be part of the game.

Anyone can participate, and of course they will provide the basketballs here.

Today's event is also a kick-off event for tickets going on sale for the 2013 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference basketball championships.

Matt Hollander, General Manager of the MassMutual Center, said since Springfield is the birthplace of basketball, it just made sense to go after a world record.

Right now Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa holds the record.

Back in April, 571 people played in what is officially recognized as the world's largest game of knockout.

Anyone can stop by, but they do have to register.

The actual challenge began at 11 a.m. with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno throwing the first shot.