Meet Arion Herbert | Co-Founder & CEO of Main Attraction Recreational Sports, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arion Herbert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arion, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When faced with thoughts of giving up, I find solace in reflecting on the inception of my journey and reflecting on the reasons behind its initiation. Focusing on my steps to my initial goals allows me to gauge the distance I’ve covered, which is a tangible measure of personal growth. I always encourage others to set goals and celebrate small victories along the way, as a way to ensure positive mindset.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Arion Herbert stands at the helm of Main Attraction Recreational Sports LLC, a groundbreaking initiative also known as M.A.R.S. Established in the vibrant city of Charlotte, NC in 2016, M.A.R.S. embodies Arion’s vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive community where every individual is embraced and celebrated.

Recognizing the growing popularity of Adult Kickball, Arion and his dedicated team pivoted their focus to nurture this spirited sport within the M.A.R.S. framework. Their commitment to fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among adults in a playful environment soon bore fruit.

In a pivotal moment of 2019, Arion introduced the world to his brainchild – a brand of National Kickball Tournaments. This audacious move saw its realization in live broadcasts on ESPN, propelling it to swiftly claim the coveted title of the nation’s premier brand for Adult Kickball Tournaments.

Under Arion’s stewardship, M.A.R.S. has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to excellence, charting new heights in the realm of recreational sports. The organization’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable: it leads the industry in terms of total cash payouts, teams participating, social media engagement, national press recognition, and partnerships with major brands. Notably, Turf Wars, a flagship event, clinched the esteemed title of “2022 Best Virtual or Live Sports Events Group to Watch” as bestowed by Sports Events Media.

Arion Herbert’s journey is punctuated by a series of accolades and accomplishments that underline his commitment to diversity, leadership, and innovation in the sports domain. Notable among these is his role as the Chair of the SDLT Executive Committee, a testament to his ability to drive strategic decisions. The year 2023 brought with it the distinguished honor of being named a “Sports Diversity Leader” by Sports Events Media, a recognition of his efforts to create an all-encompassing sports environment.

Adding to his list of laurels, Arion was nominated as an “Emerging Sports Industry Leader” by Sports Events Media Group in the same year. This nomination underscores his status as a visionary shaping the future of sports. The year 2023 further cemented his standing as he once again secured victory, this time as a winner designated by Sports Events Media Group.

Arion Herbert’s indomitable spirit, combined with his passion for fostering unity through sports, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the landscape of recreational activities. His journey exemplifies the power of commitment, inclusion, and innovation, transcending beyond sports into the realm of community building and inspiration.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would certainly invite them to a Turf Wars Adult Kickball tournament, which is an exhilarating two day kickball competition filled with music, fun, and games. The weekend would also include leisure activities at some of our local Adult Gaming venues that serves as the perfect place to relive our inner childhood. Lastly, I would be sure to include a night of drinks in the heart of downtown and one of the most popular and trendy bars in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I believe that having a strong support system is critical and very essential to my growth and development. I first have to give a HUGE shoutout to my wife/business partner Erica Herbert for not only believing in me, but also encouraging me to pursue my dreams. This hasn’t been an easy road traveled, however she’s rode alongside me the entire way. Not only do we manage the business together, but we also manage our household. We’re parents to 2 beautiful boys (Bryce 5, and Rorie 3).

I would also like to give a special thanks to all of my family, friends, participants, and the entire. M.A.R.S staff. Non of this is possible without the support of this community.

Website: https://playmarsports.com/

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Image Credits
Image credits: Devon Green- 729 Photography