Bank of America Stadium Savannah Bananas Game: Is the Hype Real? A Family's Honest Take 

The Savannah Bananas. You've seen them on TikTok, defying baseball norms with their unique brand of "Banana Ball." But what's it really like to experience their sold-out show in person, especially when they bring their antics to a massive venue like Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte? Our family just found out, and let me tell you, it was an adventure! 

We recently packed up our daughter, son, and our energetic six-year-old grandson for the Bananas' second sold-out night in Charlotte. The atmosphere leading up to it was buzzing. Everyone was talking about it! We arrived early, aiming to beat the crowds and the infamous Southern summer heat. Parking was surprisingly easy, right outside Clutch, a quick walk to the stadium. That was a win! 

However, the "early bird" strategy had its pros and cons. It was hot. Seriously, sweat-dripping-down-your-back hot. While there were merchandise stands outside, the thought of standing in line under the scorching sun for a t-shirt just wasn't appealing. Instead, we got resourceful. We had packed a cooler with sandwiches and drinks, and enjoyed a relaxed lunch in the air-conditioned comfort of our car. A smart move, if I do say so myself! We even had time for a quick stop at Clutch for some fries and a drink – just enough to tide us over.

Then it was time for the pre-game experience, which opened at 2:00 PM. We ambled in around 2:15 PM, eager to meet some players. The idea of getting autographs and photos with our favorite Bananas was exciting. But here's where the reality check hit: it was a bit chaotic. Lines for players were long, and it was tough to tell who was who. The only easily identifiable player was Stilts, for obvious reasons! We hopped into a random long line, hoping for the best. The big drawback? Many of the Savannah Bananas players were only out for a short 30-minute window, from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Poof, they were gone!

After that initial rush, we wandered over to where the Party Animals, the Bananas' opponents, were signing. They were much more accessible and stayed out longer. Our grandson, even without a Bananas shirt, got a few signatures on his own shirt – a little piece of memorabilia from his first live "Banana Ball" experience! We snapped some pictures and grabbed two much-needed bottles of water. Did I mention it was hot?

The pre-game area also had a stage, but unless you secured a spot early, seeing the action was nearly impossible due to the sheer number of people. We even saw folks looking a bit faint from the heat. If there's one actionable tip I'd give the Bananas, it's this: add some misters or dedicated cooling stations for fans in the outdoor areas. Southern summers are no joke! We sought refuge in the shade by the gates, waiting for them to open.

The gates were scheduled to open at 4:00 PM, but we weren't actually let inside until 4:30 PM. This delay, coupled with everyone pressing closer together, only intensified the heat. Finally, at 4:30 PM, we poured into the stadium, eager for our seats. And what seats they were! Way up high in section 500. We’re talking nosebleed territory. While the view of the entire stadium was expansive, it did make some of the famous "trick plays" a little harder to appreciate live. We found ourselves constantly glancing at the jumbotron for a closer look.

The game officially started at 7:00 PM, meaning our six-year-old grandson had about a two-hour wait from the time we got to our seats around 5:00 PM. That's a long time for a little one! At some point, we ventured down for refreshments. Bank of America Stadium had a pretty sweet deal on drinks: a $10 cup that you could refill with soda, Gatorade, or lemonade. We also indulged in some BBQ plates, hamburgers, fries, and popcorn throughout the evening. Fueling up was essential!

Despite the distance from the action, the game was still a blast. We even had a close encounter with Pharty, the Party Animals' mascot, who ventured up to our section! The atmosphere was electric, with constant entertainment between innings. We saw the "dad bod" cheerleading contest – hilarious! – and a cute baby race. They also highlighted their fundraiser for foster families, which was genuinely heartwarming.

So, is the hype real? Absolutely, the Savannah Bananas deliver a unique and entertaining show. However, for a family outing, especially with young kids, there are a few things I'd adjust. I'd skip arriving super early for autographs unless getting player signatures is a top priority, as many players are only out for a short time. And seriously, more shade or misters for those outdoor pre-game activities would be a game-changer.

Would we go again? Probably! But our ultimate bucket list item is to actually go to the Savannah Bananas' home stadium in Savannah, Georgia. I imagine the experience there, closer to the action and their unique home field, would be even more incredible. Our trip to Bank of America Stadium was a memorable one, a true taste of "Banana Ball" magic, even from the nosebleeds!