After Receiving Over 150 City Bids Across 40+ States and Beyond, Banana Ball Organizers Finally Reveal the Selected Cities for the 2026 World Tour, Marking a New Era of Unmatched Fan Excitement and Global Expansion…
The Savannah Bananas have once again shaken the sports and entertainment world, this time by unveiling the long-awaited list of cities for their monumental 2026 Banana Ball World Tour. After receiving more than 150 bids from across 40 states and international destinations, the team’s organizers have finalized the lineup, setting the stage for what promises to be the biggest and boldest tour in franchise history.
Banana Ball, the high-energy, rule-breaking twist on traditional baseball, has transformed from a quirky Savannah-based experiment into a national—and now global—phenomenon. With its fusion of athleticism, comedy, dance routines, and interactive fan participation, the Bananas have redefined what a live sports experience can be. The announcement of the 2026 tour cities signals not only the continued rise of Banana Ball but also its official leap onto the international stage.
An Overwhelming Response From Cities Nationwide and Abroad
The bidding process began in early 2025, when the Bananas invited cities to pitch themselves as potential hosts. The response was staggering: over 150 cities submitted proposals, ranging from baseball heartlands like St. Louis, Boston, and Los Angeles to unexpected suitors such as Boise, Albuquerque, and even overseas cities in Canada, the U.K., and Japan.
Bananas owner Jesse Cole, known for his trademark yellow tuxedo and boundless showmanship, described the process as “both humbling and exhilarating.”
“We knew there was demand, but we didn’t anticipate this level of passion from so many cities,” Cole said. “Banana Ball isn’t just about baseball—it’s about bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable experiences to communities everywhere. Choosing the final cities was one of the toughest decisions we’ve ever made.”
The 2026 Tour Lineup
The finalized 2026 Banana Ball World Tour will include 48 cities across 28 states, with 22 stops at Major League Baseball stadiums and four international destinations. Among the headline venues are Fenway Park in Boston, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and Wrigley Field in Chicago—three iconic ballparks that symbolize the sport’s rich history.
On the international front, the Bananas will play at London Stadium in the U.K., the Tokyo Dome in Japan, Rogers Centre in Toronto, and Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. This expansion marks the first official global tour for Banana Ball, a milestone that cements the team’s reputation as a worldwide sports-entertainment attraction.
Redefining Baseball’s Reach
Banana Ball’s international expansion represents more than just a bigger stage—it signals a shift in how baseball can connect with fans in the 21st century. While Major League Baseball has made efforts to grow its global audience with games in London, Mexico, and Asia, the Bananas are bringing something entirely different: a circus-like spectacle that prioritizes fun, energy, and inclusivity.
For international fans who may not be steeped in baseball tradition, Banana Ball’s unique rules—such as batters being called out if fans catch foul balls, no bunting, and a two-hour game time limit—make the sport more accessible and engaging. The mix of athletic competition with music, choreographed dances, and comedic skits ensures that even those unfamiliar with baseball can leave with a smile.
Economic and Cultural Impact
City officials from the selected locations are already buzzing about the expected impact. Local tourism boards anticipate millions in revenue from ticket sales, hotel bookings, and ancillary spending. Just as importantly, the Bananas’ family-friendly brand of entertainment is expected to draw diverse audiences, from die-hard sports fans to families seeking a one-of-a-kind night out.
“Hosting the Bananas isn’t just a sporting event—it’s a cultural happening,” said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, whose city will host one of the tour’s most anticipated stops at Fenway Park. “We’re excited to welcome Banana Nation to Boston and showcase how the joy of this game can unite communities.”
Fans React With Anticipation
The announcement has sparked an immediate wave of excitement across social media, with fans celebrating the inclusion of their hometowns and lamenting those that didn’t make the final cut. The hashtag #BananaBall2026 trended within hours of the reveal, with videos of fans dancing in banana costumes and sharing their plans to attend multiple stops on the tour.
Ticket demand is already expected to outpace supply, as the Bananas’ 2025 tour sold out in record time. Organizers have pledged to release ticket information in phases, with priority given to season-ticket holders and Banana Nation fan club members.
A New Era Begins
As the Bananas prepare for their biggest adventure yet, one thing is clear: Banana Ball has outgrown its status as a quirky sideshow. It has become a full-fledged movement, blending sport, theater, and comedy into a live experience unlike anything else.
For Jesse Cole and his team, the 2026 World Tour is more than just a schedule—it’s a mission.
“Our goal is simple,” Cole said. “To make baseball fun again, to bring people together, and to spread joy across the world. This tour is just the beginning.”
With its global reach and fan-first philosophy, the 2026 Banana Ball World Tour is poised to redefine not just baseball, but live entertainment itself.
