Why Is the US Open Cup Named After Lamar Hunt?

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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