Savannah Bananas are coming back to OKC: Tickets, dates, what to know
Banana Nation, rejoice. The Savannah Bananas 2024 schedule is out now.
Banana ball is headed to six Major League Baseball ballparks, a cruise and most importantly, Oklahoma City next May.
Combining all games and experiences, the Bananas are expected to play in front of 1 million people next season, team owner Jesse Cole told USA TODAY.
The Savannah Bananas play banana ball — a style of fast and entertaining form of baseball that includes choreographed dances and hijinks.
The Bananas first came to OKC in May 2023 to play a weekend at the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. While in town, players from the Bananas and Party Animals visited Bethany Children’s Health Center to put on an impromptu Banana Ball game for the patients and staff.
More: How Bryce Madron's time with the Savannah Bananas prepared him for OU baseball
What is 'banana ball'?
‘Banana ball’ is baseball but with nine rule changes, all aimed at speeding up play. The game is scored unconventionally, with teams tallying points for innings won rather than runs scored. There is also a two-hour time limit.
Aside from the rules, “banana ball” features a litany of hijinks, from dancing base coaches and umpires to pitchers on stilts to hitters wielding flaming bats.
Team owner Jesse Cole introduced “banana ball” in 2018 with secret test games against college teams in South Carolina. In 2021, the team started playing on the road, and by 2023 the Bananas moved to full-time "banana ball," dropping the collegiate summer league team.
How to get tickets for the Savannah Bananas 2024 tour
The Bananas ticket lottery opened up on the team's website after the schedule was announced. The lottery list will close on Dec. 1, and those who do not sign up will not be eligible.
The lottery doesn't guarantee an opportunity to buy tickets, the website notes. A random drawing two months prior to the event will be held, and those selected and will have the option to purchase tickets.
Tickets start at $35.
More: Savannah Bananas! Some Realtors got OKC housing on national TV again; here's how to see it
Who are The Firefighters?
As part of Thursday's announcement, a third team, in addition to the Bananas and the Party Animals, was introduced. The Firefighters will play 19 games, including against the Bananas at the Washington Nationals stadium.
Introducing the third and newest Banana Ball team, the Firefighters 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ruXKiXdr0X
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) October 5, 2023
When is the Savannah Bananas Cruise?
The Savannah Bananas are partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line to offer a Caribbean cruise dubbed "Bananaland at Sea" as the season finale.
The cast and crew will be on board, offering entertainment and more.
The Bananas will play at the Miami Marlins ballpark before setting sail to the Bahamas from Oct. 14-18, 2024.
Savannah Bananas 2024 World Tour schedule
Tampa Bay, FL - February 8-10, 2024
Peoria, AZ - February 15-17, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - February 23-25, 2024
Jacksonville, FL - March 1-3, 2024
Houston, TX - March 9, 2024
Baton Rouge, LA - March 14-16, 2024
Gwinnett County, GA - March 22-24, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - March 28-29, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - April 4-6, 2024
Durham, NC- April 12-14, 2024
Albuquerque, NM - April 20-21, 2024
Mesa, AZ - April 25-27, 2024
Fresno, CA - May 3-5, 2024
Sacramento, CA - May 9-11, 2024
Oklahoma City, OK - May 16-18, 2024
Columbus, OH - May 24-26, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - May 30-31, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - June 1, 2024
Boston, MA - June 8, 2024
Nashville, TN - June 13-15, 2024
Indianapolis, IN - June 27-29, 2024
Buffalo, NY - July 5-7, 2024
Washington, D.C - July 13, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - July 18-20, 2024
Louisville, KY - August 1-3, 2024
Cleveland, OH - August 10, 2024
Norfolk, VA - August 16-18, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - August 22-24, 2024
Salt Lake City, UT - August 30-31, 2024
Des Moines, IA - September 6-8, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - September 13-15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA - September 21, 2024
Savannah, Ga. - September 26-28, 2024
Miami, FL - October 12, 2024
Bananaland at Sea - Oct. 14-18
Contributing: Caitlyn Stroh-Page, Savannah Morning News
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Savannah Bananas OKC stop on 2024 tour: Tickets, dates
