Charlotte, North Carolina, was buzzing with excitement as the Savannah Bananas, the wildly popular baseball team known for their unique brand of "Banana Ball," took over Bank of America Stadium for a historic two-night event on June 6 and 7, 2025. Drawing in a combined crowd of approximately 148,000 fans, the Bananas transformed the home of the Carolina Panthers into a vibrant stage where baseball met entertainment in an unforgettable spectacle.
The event kicked off on Friday night with a sellout crowd of 74,000 eager spectators. Jesse Cole, the team’s creator and owner, addressed the enthusiastic fans, reflecting on the journey that began 18 years ago in nearby Gastonia. “It was here when we first dreamed big for the game of baseball,” Cole said, as reported by Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer. “It was here when we first believed that we could create a 'fans first' experience. It was here where we believe we could make baseball fun and create moments fans would never forget. And now, tonight, you are making our dreams come true, because tonight you are kicking off the biggest Banana Ball weekend in history with 148,000 fans (total, over two nights).”
The excitement was palpable, not just because of the Bananas’ high-energy, theatrical style of baseball, but also due to the presence of Carolina Panthers legends Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Jonathan Stewart. These former NFL stars brought their own star power to the event, bridging the worlds of football and baseball in a way that delighted fans of both sports.
Luke Kuechly, known for his meticulous preparation during his NFL career, took his role seriously as he warmed up his arm for hours before throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Despite some nerves, Kuechly executed the pitch to thunderous applause, joking afterward, “A little high,” as he walked off the field. The anticipation surrounding his appearance was evident as hordes of kids and fans clamored for autographs and photos in the tunnel before the game.
Joining Kuechly in the spotlight were Greg Olsen and Jonathan Stewart, who donned Banana regalia and uniforms to take the field during the game. Greg Olsen even teamed up with Savannah Bananas’ star Jackson Olsen, playing first and second base together in a rare father-son moment that delighted the crowd. Their camaraderie was built during a rain-delayed practice the previous day, when Greg invited the Bananas to Charlotte Christian, where he coaches, allowing the team to practice with a middle school club that eagerly soaked up every moment.
Jonathan Stewart’s highlight came in the fifth inning when he entered as a pinch runner, wearing a Ken Griffey jersey. Stewart’s spirited dash around the bases, running through the backstop wall and out of the tunnel with his arms raised in celebration, was a thrilling reminder of his electrifying days as a Panther.
The Bananas’ brand of baseball is anything but ordinary. Facing off against their rivals, the Party Animals—akin to the Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals in basketball—they blend theatrics, dance breaks, gymnastics, and even stilt-walking into their games. Despite the entertainment, the game remains true baseball, captivating a social media following that rivals many Major League Baseball teams.
Friday’s game was so popular that an additional night had to be added to the Charlotte stop. By the time the Bananas left the Queen City, they were expected to have played in front of over 150,000 fans across the two nights, a testament to the growing appetite for this innovative take on America’s pastime.
Among the players was Eric Jones Jr., the Savannah Bananas’ first baseman and a Charlotte native. Jones proudly sported customized Panthers cleats and a blue and black necklace, promising to wear a Luke Kuechly jersey and Panthers hat for the Saturday game. Jones, who grew up loving the Panthers and recalls the heartbreak of their Super Bowl losses in 2004 and 2015, organized around 40 tickets for friends and family to witness the spectacle in his hometown stadium. “I hope that we get to play in Charlotte every year. I think it’s the perfect spot. The fans are really hungry for it here…one, we need a major league team, but two, we need a Banana ball team right here,” Jones said.
The following day, Saturday, June 7, saw thousands more fans flock to Bank of America Stadium for the Bananas’ final game in Charlotte. Among the youngest and most enthusiastic were 12-year-old Kayden Christopher and 11-year-old Ryder Hoyle, who had been counting down to the event ever since receiving tickets for Christmas. Their family even used 25 different email addresses just to secure a chance to attend the sold-out game.
Despite the sweltering 85-degree heat and the notorious traffic and long lines leading to the stadium, fans arrived early to soak in the atmosphere. Kayden and Ryder were particularly excited about the prospect of getting their gloves signed by catcher Bill Leroy. Their enthusiasm was fueled not only by their love of baseball but by the Bananas’ unique style. “They bring you joy. They make it like it’s never been before. And how like they combined game with baseball. I’m a big baseball fan and I love it because they don’t just play the sport. They put fans first, they treat us. They let us into the game,” Ryder said.
Kayden echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the Bananas differ from traditional MLB games. “I like them because they’re not like any other baseball team. If you go to an MLB game, it’s just usual. You’ve seen it before. It’s nothing new. They don’t do tricks and stuff like this. They play for two hours. They go by the rules,” he explained.
The Savannah Bananas’ takeover of Bank of America Stadium was more than just a baseball event; it was a celebration of sport, entertainment, and community. With Panthers legends lending their star power, fans of all ages reveling in the show, and the Bananas’ innovative approach captivating a massive audience, the weekend solidified Banana Ball’s place as a major player in the sports entertainment landscape.
As the final pitches were thrown and the stadium lights dimmed, the message was clear: the Savannah Bananas have not only brought baseball to new heights in Charlotte but have also created a fan experience that’s truly unforgettable. And with the overwhelming success of this weekend, it’s only a matter of time before Banana Ball becomes a regular fixture in NFL stadiums and beyond.
