Gus Macker creates new fans of downtown Corning. How first event was received by city.

Gus Macker's debut in the Crystal City was a slam dunk in Corning, as the 3-on-3 basketball tournament drew 117 teams and made a positive impact on local restaurants, area businesses and hotels.

Corning officials were pleased with the turnout, which attracted hundreds of visitors to the city. The tournament took over the area surrounding the Corning Credit Union parking lot on the Northside.

“It was a tremendous opportunity to host our first Gus Macker Basketball Tournament,” said Coleen Fabrizi, executive director of the Corning Gaffer District. “We saw so many people come to our downtown businesses, some of whom had never discovered Corning. We are thrilled that they now are fans of our downtown and undoubtedly will be coming back in the months to come.”

Tom Yanetsko, Gus Macker Supervisor of Officials at the event, said the weather in the Corning Credit Union parking lot was cooperative and helped make the event a success.

“The weather was very good,” Yanetsko said. “The kids played well and hard. It's been great.”

Yanetsko said the event also had a positive effect on businesses in the surrounding area.

“I think it was a great boost for the surrounding businesses and hotels for the weekend,” Yanetsko said. “I know Market Street was very busy Saturday night, because I was there and saw a lot of people from the tournament having a good time.”

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Next year's Gus Macker Basketball Tournament will be held in Elmira through a partnership with Elmira Downtown Development . The tournament will alternate between cities.

“This was a great atmosphere and we’re sure Elmira will be the same next year,” Yanetsko said. “We will be in Elmira next year then back in Corning the year after that.”

This article originally appeared on The Leader: Gus Macker creates new fans of downtown Corning. How first event was received by city.