TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Bananas, Coconuts, Firefighters…oh my!
Banana Ball is taking over the capital city this weekend, and all the fun that comes with this high-octane, family-friendly spectacle is also bringing a big boost to Tallahassee’s economy.
The excitement was electric at Dick Howser Thursday as Banana Ball kicked off its first night, but city officials say this weekend is about more than just baseball — it’s a multi-day regional tourism event that’s expected to have a major economic impact.
Banana Ball kicked off their series of games in the capital city on Thursday. (Julia Miller/WCTV)
Officials with the City of Tallahassee say that with attendance expected to top 80,000 people over three days, they’re projecting millions of dollars in economic impact for the city.
“They’ve sold out Doak Campbell what three nights in a row? That is huge. The economic impact will be incredible for the city,” Mayor John Dailey said.
That impact includes spending at hotels, restaurants, retail stores, transportation, parking and more.
The general manager of the Hampton Inn and Suites near the stadium, Matthew McCloud, says they’re already seeing the impact.
“Savannah Bananas is a big impact to the areas, especially the downtown hotels. We are sold out Friday and Saturday for the big event. We are expecting a lot of people, so I know that everybody is excited,” McCloud said.
One fan, James Ranck, made the trip all the way from Bluffton, South Carolina, for the weekend. He says he traveled for the experience and to see all six teams playing for the first time.
“I’m looking forward to the new teams to see the mascots and the new players. They have switched some of the players around from the older teams to make it more balanced and to spread it out, but I’m just looking forward to the fun,” Ranck said.
Banana Ball continues throughout the weekend, wrapping up Saturday at Doak Campbell Stadium.
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