The Savannah Bananas are gearing up for their first international Banana Ball tour in 2027, requiring them to obtain passports for the journey. The team, known for their lively baseball entertainment, along with five other teams, will be making stops in Canada and Mexico next year. Owner Jesse Cole revealed plans for Banana Ball games in 23 Major League Baseball stadiums and 10 football stadiums in 2027.
Reflecting on the unexpected success of Banana Ball since its inception in 2016, Cole expressed his astonishment at its popularity. Initially aimed at boosting fan interest in baseball at the historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia, the concept has evolved significantly.
The 2027 schedule unveiled on ESPN2 includes visits to Monterrey, Mexico, on February 5-6, and Tijuana, Mexico, on February 12-13. The tour will also feature games at Rogers Centre in Toronto on August 14-15 and two appearances in Winnipeg on August 26 and August 28.
Following ten years of planning, Cole emphasized the significance of the upcoming international dates. In 2023, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, honored the Savannah Bananas with an exhibit, recognizing Cole’s achievement in attracting a younger fan base with unconventional baseball antics.
A unique addition to the Banana Ball experience will take place on June 26 at Notre Dame Stadium, where two baseball fields will be set up at opposite corners, allowing teams to switch fields every inning. This setup aims to provide every fan with a close-up view of the action.
Cole also revealed that Disney has produced a documentary showcasing the growth of the Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball, set to premiere at Atlanta’s Truist Park on June 12. The 2027 Banana Ball Championship League tour, spanning 79 stadiums across 74 cities, is expected to draw an estimated 4.3 million fans, including visits to minor league stadiums.
