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Macker is back: Basketball action starts Friday in IM

By Terri Castelaz 5 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Get ready to dribble, dunk and cheer as Gus Macker is back, bringing hundreds of basketball players and spectators to Iron Mountain this weekend.

Streets will be transformed into a sea of courts for competition and entertainment for three days of family fun and community spirit.

A total of 281 teams will compete in the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament Saturday and Sunday, said Barb Reisner, executive director of the Imagination Factory Community Center.

"It's a great, one-of-a-kind basketball experience for everyone of all ages," Reisner said. "We are looking forward to another successful tournament."

The tournament carries an even bigger community mission. After five Gus Macker events in Iron Mountain, more than $5 million has been raised to support renovations of the new Imagination Factory Community Center.

Proceeds from the 2026 tournament will help complete the second-floor youth center and third-floor family therapy clinic, she said.

Players must register onsite from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday in the gym at 217 W. Hughitt St. or from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday. Volunteers will receive their assignments and T-shirts during registration.

A scorekeepers meeting for volunteers is scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday at the Gus Macker Cafe.

The basketball action gets underway at 5 p.m. Friday with three timed contests on the top men's court on Carpenter Avenue. Participants can test their skills in the Dribble Weave, Around the World Three-Point Shooting and the "Harder" Hook, sponsored by Kim Webb. Two age divisions will compete, with prizes awarded to the winners.

Saturday begins with the 8 a.m. opening ceremony at the top men's court, followed by tournament games at about 8:30 a.m. Sponsors and the winners of Friday evening's contests also will be recognized.

Dream Court games will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Young basketball fans will have their chance to shine during YMCA shooting contests from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Carpenter Avenue and Hughitt Street. Children ages 10 and younger are invited to compete in three-point and free-throw contests, with trophies awarded to the top three finishers in each age category.

The weekend's high-flying highlight, the Slam Dunk Contest sponsored by Flavor Blast, will take place around 4 p.m. Saturday on the top men's court after the games. The winner will take home $500, with $300 for second place and $200 for third.

Macker competition resumes at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, with trophies presented at about 11 a.m. in the gym.

Dream Court games begin at 9 a.m.

Reisner said winning team members once again will receive unique Gus Macker trophies.

"Gus" himself, Scott McNeal, will again make an appearance during the weekend. Kids will have an opportunity to take photos with him.

Players and spectators can visit the new Gus Macker Cafe to enjoy a break and to fuel up. The cafe will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, offering a variety of food and beverages.

Additional food vendors will include the Gus Macker outdoor food tent, Flavor Blast, Curious Pig and Elephant Ears.

Reisner encourages residents to come downtown, watch some basketball, enjoy the festivities and grab lunch in the new Gus Macker Cafe.

Residents and visitors should be aware that road closures begin Friday morning and continue through 7 p.m. Sunday.

Carpenter Avenue from Ludington to C streets will be closed, along with east-west streets connecting to Carpenter Avenue. Court maps will be available to the public Saturday morning.

The 2026 Iron Mountain Gus Macker tournament recognizes more than 100 signature sponsors for their support.

This year's signature sponsors include the Novickis Family Foundation, Farrington Foundation, IncredibleBank Foundation, IncredibleBank, Kim Webb Leeds Real Estate, Bacco of Iron Mountain, M.J. Electric, BOSS Snowplow, Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club, Novibalance Psychology Services, United Way of Dickinson County and Imagination Factory Community Center.

Reisner also thanked the volunteers, officials, players and spectators who helped make the event a success year after year.

Gus Macker is America's original 3-on-3 basketball competition. The event began 51 years ago in Lowell, Mich., when McNeal organized a small tournament in his parents' driveway. It has since grown into a nationally recognized event.

Each Gus Macker tournament gives back to the community where it is held through a charitable donation.

In Iron Mountain, that tradition has turned a weekend of basketball into a major source of support for a community project -- giving families another reason to come downtown, enjoy the games and be part of something bigger than basketball.

Reisner noted that people often ask, "What's up with the Imagination Factory Children's Museum?"

"We value promoting a 'love to learn' mindset among young children," Reisner said. "The joy of exploring new ideas without the need for grades, approval, perfection or performance standards helps build an attitude of intellectual curiosity -- creating young people who want to learn and discover more about the world around them."

She said that when youth reach clarity with understanding it creates a sense of accomplishment and an inner drive to gain new skills, knowledge and grow personally.

"We love the impact the children's museum has on our children, families and community," Reisner said. "We thank everyone for your continued support."

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.

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