Main Attraction Recreational Sports has reached another milestone in the company’s growth with nine events including some new destinations in 2025 — plus four events that will air on ESPN platforms. Kickball events will stream on ESPN’s platforms on Memorial Day weekend from Auburn, Alabama; July 5 in Maryland; and October 18 in Richmond, Virginia, with one other event to be […]
Main Attraction Recreational Sports has reached another milestone in the company’s growth with nine events including some new destinations in 2025 — plus four events that will air on ESPN platforms.
Kickball events will stream on ESPN’s platforms on Memorial Day weekend from Auburn, Alabama; July 5 in Maryland; and October 18 in Richmond, Virginia, with one other event to be broadcast with that announcement at a later date, said MARS Co-Founder Arion Herbert.
“We’re now creating a brand that we believe is going to be attractive to new sponsors, new partners,” Herbert said. “We’re looking to create more experiences for more people. We’re serious about taking the brand to the next level and elevating it.”
This past year, MARS’ smallest event was 40 teams with the largest event hitting the 80-team milestone. Herbert said an average event drew up to 1,000 participants.
“Ever since we established ourselves on the ESPN platform, we know there’s a lot more interest from other destinations that are able to see the product,” Herbert said. “In Maryland, the Sports Commission joined us as a sponsor and partner. In doing that, we were able to generate so much exposure and great press that we are able to extend our partnerships to Richmond Region Tourism and city of Auburn-Opelika while renewing our deal with the Maryland Sports Commission.”
Herbert and his wife, Erica, co-founded MARS in 2016 after moving to Charlotte. The company organizes other events in the Charlotte market, although MARS is best known for its work in the kickball community. Herbert also is an active participant within the Compete Sports Diversity organization.
“It’s scary in a way because three years ago we could never have imagined this,” Herbert said. “We never envisioned having conversations of this magnitude. These are things that we are on the cusp of doing and experiences we’re on the cusp of creating. At the same time it’s an adrenaline rush to show the true value that we have and delivering results to sports commissions and tourism bureaus.”
2025 MARS Schedule
March 15-16: Tampa
May 3-4: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
May 24-25: Auburn, Alabama
June 19-21: Las Vegas
July 5-6: Maryland
August 1-3: Orlando
August 30-31: Charlotte
October 18-19: Richmond
November 15-16: Austin
