TurfWars Signs Multi-Event Streaming Deal with ESPN3

Main Attraction Recreational Sports has reached another milestone in the company’s growth, signing a multi-event streaming agreement that will see multiple tournaments broadcast on ESPN3.

MARS’ Turf Wars kickball events on July 6 at the Liberty Sports Park in Prince George’s County, Maryland, as well as its two-day event August 3-4 in Charlotte, will be on the streaming service.

“It expands our reach,” said MARS Co-Founder Arion Herbert. “The increased visibility is going to be huge for us because as we’re really looking to enhance and grow the game. … We’re going to be streaming on the network for four hours each day. And that gives us an opportunity to invite more players and more teams and provide an opportunity to showcase more players. It shows the true depiction of what the Turf Wars experience looks like, which can now really help us evolve and enhance the game even more when you talk about how attractive it may look to a potential sponsor.

“The game of adult kickball has been around long before I got here. It’s a game that all of us could remember playing as kids and for the game to have the opportunity to be showcased nationally, it’s just mind-blowing to me.”

Herbert and his wife, Erica, co-founded MARS in 2016 after moving to Charlotte. It has other events it organizes in the Charlotte market, although MARS is best known for its work in the kickball community. Herbert also is the executive committee chair of Compete Sports Diversity.

“When you talk about our commitment to diversity and inclusion, now these multi-cultural events really get a chance to embody that and showcase it,” Herbert said. “I love the idea that now we’re getting the opportunity to feature these events in our true setting, because it’s an accurate depiction of what we have to offer.”

The ESPN streaming agreement also is a personal highlight for the Herbert family as a minority-owned business that can inspire youths.

“We’ve nurtured this product, we create this brand and in a short time, we’re able to push the brand forward to national exposure, it means a lot,” Herbert said. “I can always use an example to show my sons — you may think it’s impossible, but it really is possible if you put your mind to it and you really are committed, dedicated and passionate about it.

“I think about how I’ve poured everything into this business. Opportunities and moments like this are reassuring, they validate the hard work and how if you plant those seeds and you harvest, your fruit shall grow. So personally, for me, it’s gratifying, it’s fulfilling and it means everything to know that we’re heading in the right direction.”