Excitement abounds for Carlsbad’s first Gus Macker 3 on 3 tournament Excitement abounds for Carlsbad’s first Gus Macker 3 on 3 tournament

By Michele Robertson

This is going to be a big event for Carlasbad, not only is it the Gus Macker 3 on 3 tournament, there will also be a multitude of family activities throughout the weekend.

Event organizer Richard Carrasco explained that most Gus Macker tournaments are just the tournament and he wanted to expand it to be a family friendly event. There will be food vendors, face painters, inflatables, a foam party, vendors selling merchandise, a petting zoo, DJ’s, bands performing, and more. There are also RC Races at the Cascades and a high school tennis tournament with locations at CHS and the beach courts. Registration for Gus Macker starts Friday night from 4-7 pm, and continues on Saturday the 25th at 7 am with opening ceremonies starting at 8 am. Local band Stranded takes the gazebo stage from 6-8 pm on Saturday. Find a full schedule of events at https://macker.com/local/carlsbad-nm

Carrasco began the process of bringing Gus Macker to Carlsbad in June of 2021. This year is the first of three Gus Macker events in Carlsbad. A three year contract is part of the deal in bringing the popular basketball tournament to an area. Each year the tournament will be held towards the end of March. This was done intentionally for a few reasons; Carlsbad has mild weather in March and the timing puts it after high school state championships for basketball and several other sports are in between seasons, which helps young athletes join in on the fun without scheduling conflicts.

“I’m excited for more exposure for Carlsbad,” Carrasco said. “The beach area offers a different atmosphere for the tournament and the City has done a phenomenal job supporting and preparing for Gus Macker,” he added. Carrasco also shared that this is the first outdoor tournament for Gus Macker.

“Carlsbad is a very giving community, especially when it comes to our youth. This has 100% been a team effort,” said Carrasco. “It’s going to be a great event. Gus Macker is excited as well and feels this is the start of a great thing.”

Josiah Carrasco, Head Official and Youth Development Professional at the Boys & Girls Club is excited to be a referee for the tournament. “I’ve played in four Gus Macker tournaments, but this is my first time reffing,” he shared.

All proceeds from the event benefit the local Boys & Girls Club. “We are always looking for new ways to get the community together for a great event. Our city certainly rallies around sports. What better opportunity to bring a new, fun event that also helps a non-profit like the Boys & Girls Club to support after school programs. The 174 pre-registered teams is a great indication that our community agrees,” shared David Beaty, board member for the Boys & Girls Club. Carrasco shared that the goal was to have 150 teams, and that goal has been surpassed.

Caleb Cunningham, second Vice President for the Boys & Girls Club said “Gus Macker is an amazing event for our community, and this is the first time Carlsbad has ever hosted! It’s a healthy engagement for our youth and we are so excited that the profits benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad!”

Assistant Executive Director for the Boys & Girls Club Nicole Fuentez is running hospitality for event and volunteer staff and expressed gratitude and excitement over the upcoming event. Make your way down to the beach this weekend for Carlsbad’s first Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournament.