Not only did the Savannah Bananas bring fireworks to UNC’s Kenan Stadium last month, but the team brought a big economic boost to the Chapel Hill community.

According to estimates released by the university on Monday, the recent visit from the Bananas generated more than $17.1 million in direct economic impact for the Town of Chapel Hill and the surrounding areas. The Bananas played two games in Kenan Stadium on April 11 and 12 as part of their Banana Ball World Tour. The pair of games brought more than 100,000 fans to the heart of the UNC campus.

“It was really special to see our University, Department, Town and local businesses come together to host such an impactful and memorable event,” said Steve Newmark, UNC’s Executive Associate Director of Athletics who will take over the head job from Bubba Cunningham this summer. “Bringing these two games to Kenan Stadium not only allowed us to introduce new visitors to Chapel Hill, but also helped strengthen our local economy in ways we hope to duplicate in the future.”

UNC reported more than 25,000 overnight visitors to Chapel Hill and more than 75,000 day visitors, and said an average of nearly 17,000 hotel rooms were booked per night during the course of the weekend. Total local tax revenue exceeded $770,000, while total economic impact (defined by the university as indirect + induced), exceeded $24 million. On social media, the university estimates the Bananas visit generated 18-25 million impressions and 1,500-2,500 posts on Savannah Bananas accounts. The top performing video from the visit reached “roughly” five million views, UNC said.

In a statement, UNC Chief Revenue Officer Rick Barakat said he hopes to see the Bananas again in the future, calling the organization “an exceptional partner,” while Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson said the weekend was a “tremendous success.”

“This event showcased what’s possible when the Town, the University, local partners, and our business community work together to create something truly special,” Anderson said.

Laurie Paolicelli, the executive director of the Orange County Visitors Bureau, said the Bananas’ visit and games against the Texas Tailgaters was “a success on many tourism levels,” because it introduced Chapel Hill to an audience beyond traditional Tar Heel games. The partnership between all stakeholders and effort from staff across all levels required “tremendous work,” she said, but it drew some of the busiest nights on record for many downtown shops and restaurants.

“Beyond the metrics,” Paolicelli told Chapelboro, “there was something harder to measure: happiness. Newcomers asked questions, explored downtown, expressed interest in returning, and brought an unmistakable energy to our streets. We are thrilled with the results, grateful for the teamwork, and proud to have helped welcome so much tourism love to Orange County.”

 

Featured image via Chapel Hill Media Group/Chance Bragg

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