As their third season winds down, the Savannah Bananas (summer collegiate; Coastal Plain League) are experiencing a consistent level of success at Grayson Stadium.
The Bananas began play at Grayson Stadium in 2016, filling a void of baseball at the historic ballpark that was created by the relocation of the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low A; Sally League) to Columbia, SC following the 2015 season. After setting a Coastal Plain League attendance record in 2016, the Bananas sold out their entire 2017 season and announced in late June that they had sold out their 2018 home slate as well.
Under owners Jesse and Emily Cole, the Bananas have placed an emphasis on the entertainment aspect of the gameday experience that seems to be resonating with fans. More from the Savannah Morning News:
But they overcame the struggles of starting a business and have danced, danced, danced ever since. Every Bananas game for the past two years (54 overall) has drawn more than 4,000, considered by management as a sellout. Ticket availability dried up this summer 20 days into the season. The Bananas’ upcoming playoff game on Aug. 5 is sold out and the playoff opponent, not that anyone cares, hasn’t even been named yet.
“I just pinch myself,” [Jesse] Cole said. “Let’s be real. We’re a summer college baseball team. It’s a testament to this community, that the right mix of providing fun, family and entertainment can do this.
“It’s like lightning in a bottle, and we’re excited because we’re just getting started.”
The success of the Bananas since their establishment has been a notable development. In fact, our archives feature a few stories on the Bananas’ approach to bringing fans out to Grayson Stadium, including articles that covered the team’s 2017 and 2016 seasons. The Bananas play their final regular-season game of the 2018 season on August 4.
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