First held in 1914, the U.S. Open Cup is the oldest cup competition in soccer and is among the oldest in the world.  In 1999, the U.S. Open Cup was renamed the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to honor the long-time soccer supporter and pioneer.

Each division from each league within affiliated amatuer and professional soccer is allowed to send one team to the tournament.  In 2012, the participants in the Open Cup have been decided by the final 2011 standings. 

The Mid-South Division’s representatives in the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are the Laredo Heat and El Paso Patriots.