Gus Macker

In Indiana, basketball brings us together. This time, it helps beat cancer

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center is teaming up with Gus Macker to launch a brand-new community tradition: a 3-on-3 basketball tournament benefiting cancer research at IU. Republic Airways is helping the event take flight as the official tournament sponsor.

On Oct. 3-4, join survivors, supporters, researchers, clinicians, staff, and basketball fans from across the Midwest at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield, Ind., to turn teamwork into breakthroughs against cancer.

From the lab to the clinic to the court, we are changing the game against cancer every day. Now, we’re inviting the community to join us in a whole new way — with sneakers on the gym floor, fans in the stands, and a shared commitment to advancing lifechanging research.

Whether you form a team, fundraise with friends, volunteer, sponsor the event, or cheer from the sidelines, every play helps fuel the future of cancer research at IU.

Let’s show the state that when it comes to beating cancer, IU has the best home-court advantage in the world.

Team registration deadline closes Sept. 21.

Don’t get left on the sidelines. Help us reach our goals

Team Play: For our inaugural event, we are looking for 100 teams of four players ages 8+ of all abilities to join our indoor competition. Entry fees are $200 per team with an additional option to ask friends and family to support you with an online peer-to-peer fundraiser. Check out the tournament rules and regulations.

Volunteer: It takes more than players to make this tournament a success; it takes a courtside crew of volunteers. From setup to registration to scorekeeping, more than 100 volunteers will bring this exciting new IU tradition to life. Volunteers must be 18+ and will receive a complimentary shirt. Shifts range from 4-6 hours.

Become a Macker Volunteer!

Become a Sponsor

Become a sponsor of the tournament and put your brand at the intersection of sport and science. Sponsorship opportunities include branded 3-on-3 courts, high-visibility moments like “Dream Court” and the Slam Dunk competition, and premium placement throughout tournament weekend. With more than 400 players and hundreds more spectators expected, sponsors gain meaningful exposure while supporting cancer research at IU. It’s a powerful way to connect your business with community pride, teamwork, and impact.

Download our Sponsorship Details

Help us turn Hoosier pride into hope. Make a gift or create your own peer-to-peer fundraising effort and compete alongside other teams working to advance cancer research at IU

Donate Launch Your Team Fundraiser

Hoosier talent. Home-court advantage

From small-town Indiana to the front lines of cancer research, Drs. Bryan Schneider and Jodi Skiles represent the heart of IU’s mission. As IU graduates and proud lifelong Hoosiers, they are among more than 350 researchers and physicians at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center advancing breakthroughs for patients across Indiana and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

Players 8 and up may play. Teams will be grouped by age, gender, and ability. Tournament Rules and Regulations can be found here.

Packet pickup will begin in the late afternoon of Friday, Oct. 2. Games will be played 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, October 4.

Registration is open until Sept. 21. Click here to form a team. All tournament-related communications will come directly from Gus Macker.

Volunteers will be needed for set-up/breakdown, registration/packet pick-up, bracket updates, scorekeeping, trophy management, special contests/court runners, and more. Anyone is welcome to assist with event promotions and sponsorship solicitation. For questions or more information, contact our volunteer lead, Tricia Bowen at tbowen3@iu.edu.

A peer-to-peer fundraiser allows individuals or teams to raise money for cancer research at IU by encouraging friends, family, and coworkers to donate on their behalf. Simply create a team name, share your personalized giving link, and supporters can select your team when making their gift. Top fundraising individuals and teams will be recognized throughout the tournament campaign.

Fundraising from the Gus Macker tournament will benefit the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Fund, which supports research, education and clinical programs. All gifts will be received, processed, and distributed by the Indiana University Foundation.

Use our social media toolkit to help us move cancer research down the court

Download our social media toolkit to spread the word about the Gus Macker tournament benefiting cancer research at IU. See below for ready-to-use graphics, sample post, and a shareable video to rally your friends, family, and followers.

Downloadable graphics

Download Image

Sample social copy for you to customize

“I believe research changes outcomes for people living with cancer. [I/my company] [is/are] proud to support the first-ever Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament benefiting cancer research at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center this Oct. 3-4 at the Pacers Athletic Center in Westfield. Play. Volunteer. Sponsor. Learn more: cancer.iu.edu/gusmacker.”

About Gus Macker

Gus Macker basketball is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of basketball, community and the spirit of competition. Founded in 1974 by Scott McNeal, the Macker tournament began as a small, backyard gathering of friends in Lowell, Mich. Over the years, it has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together through the love of basketball. Read more here.

Questions

Contact Ashleigh Wahl at awahl2@iu.edu or (317) 278-5313.

Research Cures Cancer

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Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon
Comprehensive Cancer Center

Gus Macker

In Indiana, basketball brings us together. This time, it helps beat cancer

Team registration deadline closes Sept. 21.