"Last year, they had almost 400 teams; 1600 players and almost 5,000 spectators and they're expecting a comparable number, of not larger this year," says Graham Campbell, of the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Campbell says the list is now just over half full. "Somewhat under 400, but we may get to the 600 number before the start of play on the 31st."

Downtown businesses are also gearing up for the huge crowd expected on July 31st and August 1st.

"It certainly brings a lot of people downtown. It brings attention to the community and I think everbody likes that," added Campbell.

A new event inside the Macker tournament will be a dream court, featuring a special playing surface, where teams that are chosen at random will be allowed to play basketball.

The 2004 Gus Macker 3-on-3 tournament will be in downtown Newark on Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1.

The Macker 3-on-3 tournament has been a mainstay of summer in Zanesville and Chillicothe for many years.

Visit the Gus Macker Website for more details.