A total of 275 teams will compete on 30 courts in the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which is in its fourth year of returning to downtown after a long hiatus.

This year, the 2024 Gus Macker Event Team expects to see between 18,000 to 20,000 participants, volunteers and spectators for the three-day event.

In addition, the team has recorded sponsorships from 125 community businesses and organizations that has resulted in the largest fundraising year.

“When sponsors become ‘Macker Backers,’ all contributions go directly to renovating the new Imagination Factory Community Center at 301 W. Hughitt St. in Iron Mountain,” said Barb Reisner, Gus Macker event co-coordinator.

MEMBERS OF THE 2024 Gus Macker Event Team — in front, from left are Melissa Palomaki, John Estes, Hillari Runsat and Jonathan Ringel; in the middle are David Hosworth, Tamara Juul, Barb Reisner, Kathryn Bilgreen, Dian Miller, Helen Paquette, Kim Webb, Deb Beauchamp and Dave Beauchamp; and in back are Brenda Mattson, Henry Mann, Adam Ray, Dorian Saunders, Mark Lebo and Michele Boehmer. (Contributed photo)

In 1974, Scott McNeal began to host 3-on-3 tournaments in his parent’s driveway in the small town of Lowell, Mich. A name for the event was needed — since “Gus” was the brains of the operation, it was decided it was only fitting to call it the “Gus Macker.”

The first competition drew 18 players, each paying a $1 entry fee with the champions taking the winnings home.

The entire McNeal family contributed from rules to schedules in its early years. The scrappy streetball competition became a success, with players ready to do it again next year.

In the mid-1980s the popularity of the driveway tournament blew up and drew the attention of a national sports magazine.

In 1987, Gus was offered help from a businessman to take the tournament into more cities throughout the states.

Fifty years later, community members — young and old — across the country are enjoying what McNeal started in his parent’s driveway.

Highlighting Friday’s activities will be a book signing and photographs with Gus in the middle school gym at 217 W. Hughitt St. A first-edition book, “I Am Gus Macker,” was written by Justin Fila and co-authored by Scott O’Neil and Patty Donovan. The book tells the history of Gus Macker and features photographs and information about how Scott O’Neil was able to sustain his tournaments for 50 years.

Players can register from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the gym or from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. Players will receive shirts at that time.

Opening ceremonies will be at 8 a.m. Saturday on the men’s top court, with the first whistle to blow at 8:30 a.m.

All games will be played on courts set up on Carpenter Avenue, starting at Ludington Street and extending south to C Street.

The public should note that street closures will begin at 5 a.m. Friday until 7 p.m. Sunday.

Dream court competition takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and starting again at 9 a.m. Sunday on the corner of Carpenter Avenue and Hughitt Street.

Macker highlights Saturday include a free throw contest from 10 to 11:30 a.m., sponsored by the YMCA; and three-point shooting from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area.

Games will be played in the court just west of the Dream Court.

Children ages 10 and younger will show off their skills for first through third place Macker trophies.

“The public is welcome to come on over to watch some great games and contests,” said team leader Teresa Cornelia, adding spectators won’t want to miss the Slam Dunk Contest, sponsored by KJ Salon, starting at the end of the games Saturday, with an estimated time of 4:30 p.m. at the top men’s court.

The top three places in the Slam Dunk competition will be awarded cash prizes in addition to a trophy.

These contests are open to spectators as well as players.

At 8 a.m. Sunday, “Hello Macker Fans” music begins, with games to resume at 8:30 a.m.

Championship games are scheduled for 10 a.m., with trophy pickup and photos to start at 11 a.m.

A variety of food and beverage vendors will be on site throughout the weekend.

The Threads Macker Store will be open from 9 a.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Iron Mountain organizers thanked the Gus Macker USA Team, under the leadership of Directors Scott “Gus Macker” O’Neil and Patty Donovan, for their support and passion for the game over the years.

“The Gus Macker USA Team loves coming to Iron Mountain, a tournament site that is known for great meet organization, happy workers, talented officials and a dedication to player sportsmanship,” said Jonathan Ringel, Gus Macker event co-coordinator.

McNeal’s mindset for the 50th anniversary is “Think Big” and get everyone “Fired Up” for the 2024 tournament.

Gus Macker’s mission is to be a fun event for everyone, Reisner said.

She added the impact of Gus Macker Basketball and the 1,000’s of contributors have made it possible for the Imagination Factory to purchase exhibits, play stations and now transform a 3,000-square-foot museum into a renovated historical three-level school building community center that will feature 38,000 square feet of space for the museum and floors for youth training, activities and meeting rooms.

Reisner thanks all Macker sponsors, volunteers, officials, players and community members that help make the event successful each year.

Signature and presenting sponsors include incrediblebank; Stomp the Snow; MBM Construction; Connor Sports; First National Bank & Trust; Frog 101.5; Enbridge; Kim Harder Webb, Leeds Real Estate; LiUNA Local 1329; KADD Family Dentistry; Bacco Construction; Ink Design & Apparel; Imagination Factory Community Center; Kenneth James Salon; Bellin Health; and M.J. Electric.