The Savannah Bananas, baseball’s most electrifying show on turf, have unveiled their highly anticipated 2026 Banana Ball World Tour schedule, and with it comes a major surprise for fans in Florida. The team announced on Thursday that their scheduled game in Tampa Bay will no longer take place at a traditional ballpark. Instead, it will be hosted at…
The Savannah Bananas, baseball’s most electrifying show on turf, have unveiled their highly anticipated 2026 Banana Ball World Tour schedule, and with it comes a major surprise for fans in Florida. The team announced on Thursday that their scheduled game in Tampa Bay will no longer take place at a traditional ballpark. Instead, it will be hosted at Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The decision marks yet another bold step in the Bananas’ mission to reimagine baseball by bringing the game into unconventional and larger-than-life venues. It also highlights the franchise’s willingness to adapt as demand for tickets skyrockets in each city they visit.
A Stadium Fit for the Bananas’ Spectacle
The Bananas’ front office explained that the move was prompted by an overwhelming response from fans in Tampa and surrounding regions. The original venue, a Triple-A ballpark with a capacity of around 11,000, sold out in minutes during pre-sale. The demand quickly exceeded supply, and the organization realized they needed a larger stage to accommodate their growing fan base.
Enter Raymond James Stadium, with a seating capacity of more than 65,000. Known for hosting Super Bowls, college football championships, and massive concerts, the stadium will now serve as the backdrop for one of the most unique events in sports: Banana Ball.
“We knew Tampa was going to be big, but this exceeded even our wildest expectations,” Bananas owner Jesse Cole said in a statement. “When tickets are gone in under 10 minutes, it’s clear the community wants more. Banana Ball belongs on the biggest stage possible, and Raymond James is going to give fans an unforgettable experience.”
The 2026 World Tour: Bigger Than Ever
The Tampa stop is just one highlight of the Bananas’ 2026 schedule, which includes more than 40 cities across the United States and several international destinations. The team has already confirmed games in Mexico City, London, and Tokyo, marking the most ambitious global push in the franchise’s history.
Domestically, the Bananas will visit iconic venues such as Fenway Park in Boston, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Each stop promises a full slate of Banana Ball festivities, from pre-game parades and dance performances to the outrageous on-field antics that have become the team’s calling card.
“Banana Ball is more than a game—it’s a show, a community, and a movement,” head coach Tyler Gillum said. “Every year we raise the bar, and 2026 will be the most epic yet. Tampa’s move to Raymond James proves that we’re not afraid to think bigger.”
What Fans Can Expect in Tampa
The Bananas have hinted at several stadium-specific surprises for the Tampa showdown. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect to see the team’s famous Banana Nanas senior dance crew, trick plays, player walkouts that resemble WWE entrances, and in-game twists like walk-off celebrations and choreographed pitching routines.
Rumors are swirling that the Bananas may even incorporate Raymond James Stadium’s iconic pirate ship into the spectacle. Whether it’s firing t-shirts instead of cannonballs or featuring the ship as part of player entrances, the team’s creativity is likely to shine.
Tickets for the Tampa Bay game will go on sale later this fall, and the organization expects demand to once again exceed supply. To address this, the Bananas are working with local officials to create tailgate-style fan zones outside the stadium, ensuring that even those without seats can join the festivities.
A Sign of Things to Come
The move to Raymond James Stadium signals a new era for the Bananas, who have quickly evolved from a quirky independent team in Savannah to one of the most talked-about brands in sports. What began as a local experiment has exploded into a nationwide phenomenon, with celebrities, athletes, and fans of all ages flocking to witness the team’s unique spin on America’s pastime.
Sports analysts suggest the Bananas’ success reflects a larger cultural trend. As audiences crave more entertainment-driven experiences, hybrid models like Banana Ball—part sporting event, part theatrical spectacle—are finding their place on the biggest stages.
“This isn’t just baseball, and it’s not just entertainment. It’s a hybrid that’s capturing the zeitgeist,” said sports business analyst Michael Grant. “The move to Raymond James is symbolic. The Bananas are no longer confined to ballparks; they’re rewriting the rules of where and how sports can be played.”
Looking Ahead
As the Bananas prepare for their 2026 tour, excitement is building not only in Tampa but across the globe. With international games, larger venues, and endless creativity on display, the team shows no signs of slowing down.
For Tampa fans, one thing is certain: when the Bananas take the field at Raymond James Stadium, it won’t just be a game—it will be history in the making.
