The popular team transformed Bank of America Stadium into a baseball field for the first time, creating what officials called the biggest weekend in team history.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Savannah Bananas’ two-night baseball spectacle in Charlotte generated $38.6 million in economic impact, according to a report released Tuesday by the Charlotte Sports Foundation.
The popular entertainment baseball team drew 148,000 attendees to Bank of America Stadium June 6-7, including more than 54,000 out-of-town visitors, based on analysis conducted by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority.
Nearly half of all attendees traveled more than 50 miles to attend the event, according to ZIP code analysis, highlighting the regional draw of the team known for its unique blend of sport, entertainment and crowd interaction.
“The mission of the Charlotte Sports Foundation is to elevate the city of Charlotte and positively impact the economy by bringing unparalleled sports events and experiences to town,” Will Pitts, CEO of CSF, said. “When you combine an unforgettable fan experience like the Savannah Bananas with measurable economic value, everyone wins.”
The Savannah Bananas have become a cultural phenomenon by blending live theater spectacle with baseball fundamentals. Their Charlotte appearance marked the first time Bank of America Stadium was transformed into a baseball field.
“Nearly half the fans traveled 50 miles or more to be here, filling our hotels, dining in local restaurants and experiencing our city,” Steve Bagwell, CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said. “That level of visitation generated $38.6 million in economic impact over just two nights.”
Savannah Bananas team president Jared Orton called it “the biggest weekend in Banana Ball history” and praised the partnership with Charlotte Sports Foundation and Tepper Sports & Entertainment.
“At Tepper Sports & Entertainment, we are committed to delivering world-class events to our community,” Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, said. “By expanding programming at Bank of America Stadium, we’re deepening fan engagement and boosting local impact.”
The Charlotte Sports Foundation continues to attract national-caliber events, including the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, ACC Football Championship Game and Charlotte Invitational, raising the city’s profile on the national stage.
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