Banana Ball is coming to Chapel Hill.

Kenan Stadium will host the Savannah Bananas exhibition baseball team in April 2026 as part of the team’s Banana Ball World Tour, the school announced Thursday night. Chapel Hill was one of a number of host sites selected during the Bananas’ City Selection Show.

The Bananas will take on the Texas Tailgaters in two games on April 11 and 12. The games will mark the first appearance for the Bananas in Kenan Stadium, and the first time baseball has been played at the facility.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the world-famous Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill,” said UNC deputy athletic director Rick Barakat. “Combining the Bananas’ innovation and excitement with the storied tradition of Kenan Stadium will create an unforgettable experience for fans across the state and beyond. The Bananas have redefined fan engagement in sports, and we can’t wait to see them take the field on campus at UNC this spring.”

Savannah Bananas baseball games feature family-friendly entertainment and unique rules, as well as skits and dances involving players from both teams and the umpires. Former Major League Baseball players have played for the Bananas, including World Series winners Johnny Damon, Hunter Pence and Josh Reddick.

Fans who want to purchase tickets must join a lottery list by October 31. To sign up, click here. Joining the lottery doesn’t guarantee the opportunity to buy tickets. A random drawing will be held before the event, and fans who are drawn will continue through the verification process. Standard tickets start at $35, and Meet and Greet tickets start at $100.

 

Featured image via UNC-Chapel Hill/Jon Gardiner


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