When The Spirit Network (TSN) launched its Marquee brand, it wasn’t just producing another cheer event. It was aiming to shake up the industry. Enter The TSN MAIN Event — a head-to-head, invite-only showdown that breaks routines into battle rounds, encourages creative transitions, and puts scoring in the spotlight. It deconstructs the traditional routine, highlights individual elements, and lets athletes show up as competitors.
What Makes TSN MAIN Event Different?
The TSN MAIN Event spans two days:
Day 1: Battle Rounds
- Round 1: Tumbling (Running + Standing)
- Round 2: Tosses & Jumps
- Round 3: Pyramids & Stunts
Teams perform each featured skill section with a one minute, provided mix. Many teams use their time to get on and off the mat to add a little flair or character that matches their team culture. Each team has three alternating mat appearances.
Then, judges step up like it’s America’s Got Talent. They deliver live commentary and reveal 1–10 scorecards afree each round. Bringing transparency, drama, and connection back into the process.
Day 2: Full Routine Face-Off
Teams return for traditional routines, scored on the Worlds scoresheet. Head-to-head format continues, and the final champions from each match are announced!
Judging Icons at the Helm
The judging panel looks different from a traditional competition as well. Seated prominently at the table are legends of the sport including Morton Bergue, Eric Little, Ray Jasper, Shane Womack, Cat Haley, and Kali Seitzer. During a particularly powerful matchup, Little said:
“What a privilege it is for us to get to watch both of these teams at the same time — even though they’re really in different divisions. You guys are showing us exactly what we want from cheerleading for like 30 years… You guys give us all of the reasons we still do this. I thank you.”
These moments are what Main Event does best: bridging generations, uniting divisions, and giving judges a voice beyond the scoresheet.
The Heart Behind the Format
Main Event was born out of TSN’s mission to rebuild trust, joy, and engagement in cheer. Founded in 2019 by veteran event producer Tammy Van Vleet, TSN wanted to center athletes, families, and gym owners in a sport often dominated by repetition and opacity.
Van Vleet, who previously launched GSSA and Aloha Spirit, envisioned a different experience:
- Transparency: Live scores. No mystery math.
- Expression: Silly, fun, theatrical in-betweens.
- Showmanship: Judges talk to athletes. Audiences cheer live.
- Community: Head-to-head doesn’t mean rivalry. It means celebration.
From TSN’s 10-Point Promise to its Marquee Series, everything pointed toward a more human, more connected cheer experience. Main Event became the flagship expression of that belief.
More Than Just a Format
Main Event isn’t just an evolution of how cheerleading is scored. It’s a complete rethinking of why we compete. For athletes, it brings joy and freedom. For fans, it brings clarity and excitement. For the industry, it shows that tradition and innovation don’t have to clash.
“It gets rid of the monotonous… and gives them an experience that’s completely different.” — Kirsten Rosario, Founder & Coach, Top Gun Cheer and Dance
“We’re really promoting the positivity for our sport and every individual involved.” — Tammy Van Vleet, Founder, The Spirit Network
This is what happens when vision, legacy, and community collide. This is The TSN MAIN Event.
