Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Brings Gus Macker Back to the Twin Cities

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament held August 17-18 at North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN - The Gus Macker Basketball Tournament is returning to the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Historically held in downtown St. Paul, the tournament will be presented by destination marketing organization Minneapolis Northwest Tourism and held at North Hennepin Community College. A family focused weekend event, the goal of the tournament is to raise funds for six local non-profits that focus on youth athletics and mentorship.

The Gus Macker is a 3 on 3 basketball tournament that unites the community in a festival atmosphere to participate in friendly, fun competition. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to sign up and bring their fans along.

Cyd Haynes, CEO of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism and chair of the Twin Cities Gus Macker committee said, “We are excited to bring back this legacy charity event that is a beloved family festival. We believe these two days in August will not only bring together Twin Cities’ sports enthusiasts, but welcome alumni Gus Macker players traveling to Brooklyn Park from all around the country. Winners get a trophy at the end of the tournament, and our six recipient organizations can magnify their long-lasting impact in the community.”

Recipient organizations include: Minnesota Chill Foundation (providing academic and athletic programming to educate student scholars for future success), The Inner Hero (providing youth with educational career resources and mentorships that empower productive citizens), Brooklyn Park Athletic Association (benefitting the physical, mental, moral and character development of youth regardless of ability or financial status), Hawa’s Wings (cultivating and empowering the entrepreneurial spirit within students), Forward Thinking Foundation (using sports as a vehicle to cultivate, inspire, prevent violence and guide youth toward a successful future) and Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities (creating and supporting relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth).

Gus Macker celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The original tournament was started by Scott McNeal (aka Gus Macker) who invited eighteen of his neighborhood friends to play over the weekend on his parent’s driveway during March Madness. The tournament continued to gain popularity, eventually hit the road in 1987, and has become a staple in recreational sports.

Since then, the Macker tour has expanded, holding 1500+ tournaments with more than 2.8 million players—male and female from seven years of age to 50+—and more than 30 million spectators.

Registration at: macker.com/local/brooklyn-park. Deadline is July 29, 2024.

Twin Cities Gus Macker Tournament Fact Sheet

What: A Gus Macker Tournament is designed for basketball players who love the fun of the driveway game—male or female, age 8 to 80-plus, short and tall, the most experienced or those with little or no experience who just want to play.

Where: North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Avenue N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445

When:

  • Friday, August 16 – Heroes’ Games between local firefighters, police, sheriff, state patrol and first responder takes place on the Dream Court 5-7pm
  • Saturday, August 17 – Games from 8am–7pm
  • Sunday, August 18 – Games from 8am-6pm with the famous Slam Dunk contest ($500 purse) at noon

Games and other contests run throughout the two days.

Why: To bring back this community focused fun yet competitive 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Proceeds are given to six designated non-profit recipients that focus on local youth athletics and mentorship. (Details in the press release above)

  • Teams will have at least three scheduled games.
  • Macker is a double-elimination tournament, but with a consolation bracket historically called “The Toilet Bowl” for teams that lose the first two games. Toilet bowl trophies are coveted.
  • Family fun, in a festival atmosphere, is always the goal of a Gus Macker, and it proudly serves as the most popular basketball tournament for outdoor play on downtown streets, parking lots and community parks across the country.

Important Information to know!

  • Registration is $200 per team of 4 players ($50 per player).
  • Each team member receives a complimentary Gus Macker t-shirt.
  • Teams are computer-matched into male and female divisions in one of three categories: Junior, Adult, or Top. Age, height and experience of all four players are considered in bracketing.
    • Junior Division: 10 and under; 11-12; 13-14; 15-16; 17-18
    • Adult Division: Ages 19 and over
    • 30 and Over Division: 30-34; 35-39; 40 and over
  • Teams receive at least three scheduled games each tournament.
  • Winners of each bracket receive a Gus Macker trophy based on their placement.
  • All Officials are certified referees.

For Sponsorship Information contact Katie Flanigan at Katie@mplsnw.com or 763.453.8849

To Volunteer contact info@mplsnw.com

For Tournament-specific questions contact Cyd Haynes at cyd@mplsnw.com or 763.528.1551

For more information or press requests, contact Mary Lower, Marketing Consultant, mary@mplsnw.com or 612.636.6544

Minneapolis Northwest Tourism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the vibrant cities of Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park – aka Minneapolis Northwest. This area provides a blend of big-city adventure, multicultural flavor and rustic tranquility with family attractions, outdoor recreation, unique venues and diverse dining options. Situated just minutes from downtown Minneapolis, this affordable and accessible location is also the ideal launchpad from which to experience the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Learn more at: mplsnw.com