Savannah Bananas joined by 5 barnstorming teams in 2026 | AP News

Savannah Bananas sell out Neyland Stadium as Banana Ball hype hits Knoxville - Yahoo Sports

Savannah Bananas

The Bananas will anchor a new Banana Ball Championship League in 2026, expanding their barnstorming circuit to about 75 stadiums across 45 states, including dates in roughly 14 major‑league ballparks and 10 football stadiums [1]. The field adds five traveling foes — the Party Animals, Fire Fighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns — with former MLB stars Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard taking “Primetime Coach” roles for Loco Beach and Indianapolis, respectively [1].

The scale matches the demand the show has generated on tour, punctuated by a Neyland Stadium sellout in Knoxville that packed the SEC cathedral for Banana Ball this year [2]. Venues such as the Superdome and Gillette Stadium are among the football sites on the 2026 slate, underscoring how far the concept has stretched beyond traditional ballparks [1].

Founder Jesse Cole estimated the Bananas drew about 2.2 million fans this year and set a target of 3.3 million attendees in 2026 as the new league debuts [1]. For Savannah fans who’ve watched Banana Ball grow from Grayson Stadium hijinks into a coast‑to‑coast phenomenon, the next jump comes with a full league, bigger stages and even louder nights [1].