Banana ball and 20 new sports debuting: ESPN8 ‘The Ocho’ returns to Rock Hill
ESPN8: The Ocho presented by Sonic returns to Rock Hill for the third consecutive year, featuring a full day of unique sports events, a release from sports cable network said.
The competition comes next month to the Manchester Meadow and the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center. It features quirky sports, such as Pop-A-Shot, Major League Paintball and Carjitsu.
For its third year in the city, The Ocho will debut 21 new unique sports and expand the tournament to four days, according to ESPN’s release. Rock Hill, with a population of 75,349, is steadily becoming the home of these wacky sports, branding the name “Ocho-ville” in regards to the unofficial location in South Carolina for years to come.
“One of the reasons we host this event is because people will see our beautiful city and want to bring their championships here,” Brian Jones, Sports and Event Center supervisor told The Herald. “The economic impact of Ocho day is far reaching than just the one day, it puts Rock Hill on the map.”
What is The Ocho?
The concept of ESPN8, nicknamed “The Ocho,” originated as a fictional television channel in the 2004 film “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” showcasing unusual competitions akin to sports. according to the release. The name humorously played off ESPN2’s nickname from the 1990s, “The Deuce,” when there were only four ESPN channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, and ESPN Classic.
Making a return this year is the Manscaped TurfWars Adult Kickball Championship, who is sponsoring the all-male team.
“We have signed up to showcase our Kickball tournament at the Ocho this year,” Arion Herbert, a Charlotte native and CEO of Main Attraction Recreation Sports told The Herald.
Herbert was drawn to this tournament three years ago because of its close proximity and opportunity to showcase his league, he said. The kickball matches highlighted teams for the weekend, including:
▪ Battle of the States on August 2
▪ Coed on August 3
▪ Men’s and Women on August 4
“Our style of kickball looks a lot different than when we were kids,” Herbert said. “The game has evolved but is still similar to baseball or softball. Our game is more bunt style than kicking hard in order to get on base.”
Over four days, ESPN8 The Ocho will for the first time feature 54 hours of unique, obscure sports, including over 21 hours of live sports content, according to the release.
Each night from Louisville, Kentucky, the fast-paced game of Banana Ball will be showcased, promising epic celebrations and coordinated dance routines. Meanwhile, live events in Rock Hill, will allow fans to cheer on the exceptional Ocho athletes, the release said.
Events will rotate between the indoor Sports & Event Center and outdoor Manchester Meadows.
Want to go?
The Ocho will air across ESPN platforms from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4.
Manchester Meadows and Rock Hill Sports and Event Center will each open an hour before the first event. All events are free. Throughout the day on Aug. 2, attendees can enjoy the ESPN8 The Ocho Fan Zone at Manchester Meadows which will include ESPN’s Big Wheel Racing with a Sonic Twist. Food trucks, music, vendors and giveaways will be available.
What: ESPN The Ocho
When: Aug. 1 - 4
Time: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for in-person events
Where: Manchester Meadows and Rock Hill Sports and Event Center
Broadcast: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN, and ESPN Deportes.
Cost: Free admission
Additional information is available at the city of Rock Hill website.
This story was originally published July 23, 2024 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Banana ball and 20 new sports debuting: ESPN8 ‘The Ocho’ returns to Rock Hill."