The Savannah Bananas made history over the weekend, drawing 148,000 fans to Bank of America Stadium for a record-breaking Banana Ball event. The sold-out crowd of 74,000 on Saturday marked the largest single-day audience in the team’s history.
The Charlotte game featured Banana Ball’s signature mix of baseball, comedy, and spectacle. Fans witnessed a walk-off home run as the Bananas edged the Party Animals 4-3.
Former and current Carolina Panthers, including Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Jonathan Stewart, joined the festivities, along with musical guests Brantley Gilbert and Fitz and the Tantrums.
Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88), Luke Kuechly (@LukeKuechly), and Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) returned to the @Panthers' Bank of America Stadium to help the Bananas to a big win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/KFkpYR2iYp
— Banana Ball (@BananaBall_) June 7, 2025
The weekend also served as a homecoming for Charlotte natives Reece Hampton and Eric Jones. Hampton, a Charlotte Christian and Charlotte 49ers alum, now plays for the Party Animals. Jones, a South Mecklenburg and Davidson graduate, suited up for the Bananas.
Banana Ball originated just outside Charlotte in Gastonia, where Jesse Cole launched the concept after owning the Gastonia Grizzlies.
This weekend’s turnout solidified its growing national appeal and delivered the most attended series in the unique new sport’s history.
