Minneapolis Northwest Tourism Hosts Twin Cities Gus Macker Aug 2-3

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament raised $37,500 for local non-profits last year – looking to grow in 2025

Brooklyn Park, MN - The Twin Cities Gus Macker Basketball Tournament has returned with goals of growing its tournament and community impact. Historically held in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, the tournament is hosted 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 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 cheering sections along.

Leslie Wright, CEO of Minneapolis Northwest Tourism said, “We are so proud of last year’s success. We fielded 160 teams of male and female teams and broke a Gus Macker record for the highest percentage of girls/womans teams while raising nearly $38,000 for community non-profits! We believe these two days in August will not only bring together Twin Cities’ sports enthusiasts, but welcome alumni Gus Macker players from all around the country. Last year’s $500 purse slam dunk contest winner traveled from Michigan to play in our tournament. With 23 other Macker tournaments happening across the country, we welcome those players that spend their summer traveling to multiple tournaments.”

Recipient organizations (to date) include: Minnesota Chill Foundation (providing academic and athletic programming to educate student scholars for future success), Brooklyn Park Athletic Association (benefitting the physical, mental, moral and character development of youth regardless of ability or financial status), NextGen Legacy Foundation (building the future of sports, technology and entrepreneurship), Forward Thinking (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 51st 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 1550+ tournaments with more than 3 million players—male and female from eight years of age to 50+—and more than 30 million spectators.

Wright concluded, "This is truly a community event! We're still looking for volunteers and sponsors to increase the impact and fun for the players, community and non-profit beneficiaries."

Twin Cities Gus Macker Tournament Fact Sheet

• Teams receive 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. It proudly serves as the most popular basketball tournament for outdoor play on downtown streets, parking lots and community parks across the country.

• 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 game officials are certified referees.

• For Press requests, contact Mary Lower at 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 location is an ideal launchpad from which to experience the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Learn more at: mplsnw.com