Savannah Bananas Generate \$38.6 Million Economic Impact During Historic Charlotte Weekend
**CHARLOTTE, N.C.** — The Savannah Bananas brought their one-of-a-kind baseball entertainment experience to Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium for the first time, transforming the home of the Carolina Panthers into a baseball field in what officials called the biggest weekend in the team’s history.
The two-night event, held June 6-7, drew a staggering 148,000 attendees, including more than 54,000 out-of-town visitors, according to a report released Tuesday by the Charlotte Sports Foundation. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority conducted the analysis, which revealed the Bananas’ visit generated an estimated \$38.6 million in economic impact for the city.
The exhibition games marked the first time baseball had ever been played inside Bank of America Stadium. The venue, typically reserved for football and concerts, was temporarily converted into a full-scale baseball field for the Bananas’ performances — part of their wildly popular “Banana Ball” tour, which blends on-field competition with choreographed dances, crowd participation, and comedy routines.
The economic boost extended beyond the stadium, with local hotels, restaurants, and businesses seeing a significant increase in activity over the weekend. The influx of out-of-town guests contributed heavily to the city’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
“The Bananas brought a truly unique experience to Charlotte,” said Danny Morrison, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “It was not only a sports event but a cultural moment that energized our community and created lasting memories for fans.”
The success of the Bananas’ Charlotte stop reinforces the team’s growing influence in the sports entertainment world and the Queen City’s capacity to host large-scale, non-traditional sporting events. Organizers say the response from fans and businesses alike may open the door for future appearances in the region.
