Why Is the US Open Cup Named After Lamar Hunt?

Published 09/23/2023, 7:48 AM EDT

As soccer’s popularity continues to surge in the United States, the nation has seen the rise of various domestic leagues and tournaments that have contributed to the sport’s growth. From the esteemed Major League Soccer (MLS) to the competitive Leagues Cup, American soccer enthusiasts have a myriad of competitions to follow. One such illustrious championship that captures the essence of American soccer is the US Open Cup. Yet, amid the excitement and fervor surrounding this tournament, a question persists: Why is this prestigious event named after Lamar Hunt?

Notably, the very same tournament will be played in a few days between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo.

Why is the US Open Cup named after Lamar Hunt?

Article continues below this ad

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout-style cup competition in which soccer teams from all over the United States participate. It holds the distinction of being the oldest ongoing national cup competition in U.S. soccer history. It is also one of the longest-standing tournaments worldwide.

Its inception can be traced back to 1914 when it was initially called the National Challenge Cup. However, in 1999, the tournament got Lamar Hunt’s name as a tribute. This year, around 100 teams competed in the competition. To make you understand better, the US Open operates similarly to renowned tournaments like England’s FA Cup or Spain’s Copa del Rey, wherein teams from various domestic divisions compete.

So besides the 26 MLS clubs, the competition also welcomes the participation of 24 teams from the second-division USL Championship, 12 from the third-division USL League One, nine from the third-division NISA, 10 from the national amateur USL League Two, eight from the national amateur NPSL, and an additional 10 local amateur qualifiers.

When, Where and How to Watch Lionel Messi & Inter Miami in US Open Cup Final vs Houston Dynamo?

Article continues below this ad

Notably, teams progressively enter the tournament based on their standing. As for the MLS teams, the final eight join in the round of 32 after a majority of teams get eliminated. Speaking of the most successful teams in the history of the U.S. Open Cup, Maccabee Los Angeles and Bethlehem Steel boast five titles each. That has changed since 1996 when the MLS teams came into play.

Who was Lamar Hunt?

Lamar Hunt was an American entrepreneur celebrated for his significant impact on sports promotion in the United States. He played a pivotal role as the primary founder of both the MLS and the NFL. Born on August 2, 1932, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Hunt’s wealth stemmed from his family’s involvement in the oil industry. Fueled by his deep passion for sports, he initiated investments in various teams and competitions starting in the 1950s.

Article continues below this ad

His initial foray into the realm of sports commenced in American football. He co-founded the American Football League (AFL) alongside a group of fellow businessmen in 1959. He also owned several sports teams like NASL’s Tornado, Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City), and FC Dallas. Tragically, Hunt passed away on December 13, 2006, at the age of 74. In addition to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, his name also graces the Lamar Hunt Trophy in American football’s AFC Championship game.

Watch this story: Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Make a Huge Assist for Esports Space

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abhishek Mishra is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports. Abhishek's love for soccer began during his childhood days when he spent most of his time playing and watching the sport. His early exposure to soccer earned him many accolades at district and zonal levels, making him a true sports enthusiast.

Edited by:

Sreeda U M

Why Is the US Open Cup Named After Lamar Hunt?

Why is the US Open Cup named after Lamar Hunt?

Trending

Lionel Messi’s Heartwarming Gesture Toward Fan Earns Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Seal of Approval

Rob McElhenney Passes Over Jason Kelce as Wrexham Co-owner Eyes Another Philadelphia Eagles Star for Soccer Switch

Lionel Messi’s Specter Looms Over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Realm as Fans’ Provocative Banner Emerges During Al Nassr vs Al Akhdoud

Who is Kaka’s Ex-Wife Caroline Celico Married to Now After Divorce With the Brazilian Legend?

“[Kylian] Mbappe Is Not..” – Vinicius Jr Put On Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Level After Champions League Heroics

Who was Lamar Hunt?