More than 120 teams have signed up to play in the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in the Crystal City this weekend.
Teams will begin playing 3-on-3 games at 8 a.m. Saturday and the tournament will continue through Sunday, said Emmie Agee, Gaffer District Marketing Manager. The games are played to 21 points on a half-court.
Gus Macker was a fixture in downtown Hornell for over two decades, but the YMCA Board of Directors decided to discontinue the Maple City's event in 2023.
Corning's Gaffer District and Elmira Downtown Development stepped in, and Gus Macker will now alternate annually between the Gaffer District in Corning and downtown Elmira.
The tournament will be held in the Corning Credit Union parking lot on Pulteney Street on the Northside. The event is part of the Gaffer District's 2024 Summer in Downtown series. The tournament is expected to bring hundreds of players and spectators to the city.
“I think Gus Macker will have a similar impact that all Gaffer District events do,” Agee said. “Our goal is to is to bring feet to the street in order to support the economic vitality of our downtown.”
Agee said the cornerstones of the businesses district, including hotels, restaurants, retail, and the museums, will all see an influx in visitors this weekend.
“We are hoping to get new people to the district and people that haven’t been in the downtown area for a while,” Agree said.
All teams had to be signed in to take part in the tournament by July 8, Agee said. Players range from elementary school age to adults.
“All teams are signed up, are locked in place, and it should be a good weekend,” Agee said.
What is Gus Macker?
Gus Macker is open to all basketball players, young and old, from rookies to veterans with college backgrounds. Tournament brackets are broken up by ages and skill levels.
Gus Macker, celebrating its 50th year in 2024, touts the tournament as more than just a game — “it's a celebration of basketball, community, and the spirit of competition.” The tournament has a festival atmosphere that extends beyond basketball, featuring music, food and family activities.
Gus Macker tournaments are held nationwide. Corning is among three in New York state this year, joining Jamestown (Aug. 10-11) and Norwich (July 13-14).
Corning street, parking lot closures for Gus Macker
- Corning Credit Union Parking Lot: Closed 5 p.m. Friday, to 5 p.m. Sunday. Drive through ATM Access will be available all weekend.
- Ferris St. (E. Pulteney St. to E. William St.): Closed July 20 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., July 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Municipal Lot 34 (next to Carey's Brewhouse): Closed July 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Further event information can be found at: gafferdistrict.com/events/summer-in-downtown-corning/gus-macker-basketball-tournament-weekend/
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