Benton Harbor City Commissioners could soon consider a resolution of support for the Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, set to return to the city June 27 and 28.
The Harbor Impact Foundation has been behind the effort to stage the event in town for the first time in about 20 years. Foundation Treasurer Linda Billups addressed the city Economic Development and Parks Committee this week to talk about the benefits the event will bring to the community. Harbor Impact is hoping to grow it each year.
“Harbor Impact has committed to a three-year agreement with Gus Macker, and it ensures long-term stability and recurring annual revenue for the city,” Billups said. “It also builds a signature Bidden Harbor tradition on the riverfront.”
The Gus Macker tournament is held in communities across the United States each year, offering basketball players of any age a chance to compete. Committee chair Duane Seats said he once played in the Gus Macker, about 27 years ago, and he thinks it will be a success in 2026.
“It’s a good thing,” Seats said. “It attracts a lot of people, just like AAU and all these other things, and to see our kids, and not even just the kids, but it’s just some adults who play in AAU. I think it’s a phenomenal thing for the city of Benton Harbor, what you’re doing.”
Seats asked the Harbor Impact Foundation what it will need from the city, and Director Rodney Alexander answered permission to use a street to set up courts. They will likely be on Britain Avenue, over by Benton Harbor Charter School and the Post Office. He said Harbor Impact may also need help finding volunteers.
City Manager Alex Little said he’d be happy to draft up a resolution of support for commissioners to consider.
