TAMPA, Fla. — The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition team known for "circus antics" and a "fast-paced, rowdy version of baseball," are still coming to Tampa Bay despite the widespread damage left by Hurricane Milton.
Originally, the Bananas were scheduled to play the Party Animals on March 15 and 16 next year at Tropicana Field in St. Pete. But, after Hurricane Milton tore most of the translucent fiberglass dome off the ballpark on Oct. 9, the team has rescheduled its visit to one game on March 15 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Raymond James Stadium will be the first NFL venue on the Bananas' 2025 World Tour and is expected to attract over 65,000 fans, the team said in a news release.
"We could not be more excited for the Savannah Bananas to ‘Stay in the Bay’," Rob Higgins, Executive Director at the Tampa Bay Sports Commission stated in the release. “We’re thankful to our friends at the Tampa Sports Authority for their quick collaboration and to Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas for being such committed partners in keeping the World Tour in our region as we continue to heal from the significant effects of this hurricane season."
The team is also slated to play two games at LoanDepot Park in Miami on March 1 and March 2, according to the Bananas' official schedule.
Those interested in seeing the Bananas in action should know that the team has a lottery ticket system, meaning you can't buy a ticket unless your name is called. But, be quick, because the drawing only lasts through Nov. 1, according to the release. To enter the drawing, click here.
The Savannah Bananas aren't your average baseball team. They're known for their brand of "Banana Ball," which the team describes as "the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball," complete with choreographed dances, over-the-top scoring celebrations and crowd interactions.
The team first arrived in Savannah, Georgia in October of 2015 with the goal "to make baseball fun and bring back fans to Historic Grayson Stadium," their official website reads. Now, nearly a decade later, the Savannah Bananas have reportedly sold out every single game since their first season.
"There's no crying in baseball, but there are a lot of laughs when the Savannah Bananas bring their circus antics to the ballpark," CBS News said in their review of the team.
The Bananas stopped in Tampa earlier this year with several sellout performances.
To learn more about the team's 2025 World Tour, click here.
