Rochester, NY - Basketball was invented at the YMCA more than 130 years ago with a simple idea: use sport to bring people together through movement, teamwork and healthy competition. The YMCA of Greater Rochester is proud to bring one of the sport’s best community events – the Gus Macker Tournament – back to the Flower City in 2026.
“Basketball and the Y go hand-in-hand with the sport invented at the Y in 1891, making the Gus Macker and Y the perfect partnership,” said Ernie Lamour, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Rochester. “We’re thrilled to welcome people from our city, surrounding neighborhoods and across the state and region to this incredible community event. We’re able to do this with our partners at the City of Rochester, Rochester Red Wings and Senator Cooney – all of whom are helping us put on a great showcase and highlight our city.”
Gus Macker has been bringing the excitement of street basketball to neighborhoods across the country for more than four decades. Beginning in 1974 with Scott McNeal organizing a gathering of friends in Lowell, Michigan, the Macker is now a nationwide phenomenon. This three-on-three tournament is known for bringing people of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds together through the love of basketball.
“Gus Macker is fired up to be back in Rochester,” said Scott “Gus” McNeal, Macker Basketball LLC. “We travel the country with this three-on-three basketball festival and focus on three priorities: community, family and charity. What better partner than the YMCA of Greater Rochester to achieve these goals?! We started the Gus Macker in my family driveway 52 years ago and I can’t wait to celebrate the tradition in Rochester at the end of June!”
The Rochester Macker tournament will be held on June 27 and 28, and will feature 20 courts, all at the Rochester Red Wings ballpark. Registration is $200 for teams of four and is open now on Gus Macker and the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s websites. Proceeds from Rochester’s tournament will support the YMCA of Greater Rochester’s continued efforts to offer services, many free of charge, in our city locations.