The Savannah Bananas opened their 2026 season in Tallahassee, a decision that helped bring an estimated $10.1 million in total economic impact for the city says Florida State.

“This event is exactly what we mean when we talk about using our facilities to serve Tallahassee and the broader region,” Florida State Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said in a statement. “Doak Campbell Stadium is a community asset, and bringing an event of this scale to our campus delivered real, measurable economic benefit while introducing new audiences to Florida State.”

Independent analysis of the multi-day event that wrapped with a game inside Doak Campbell Stadium showed 38.6% increase in out-of-market visitors to Tallahassee during the event window, leading to “strong demand across the hospitality sector, with elevated hotel occupancy and increased downtown activity.” Per the university, tickets wre purchased from 48 stats and Washington DC, with 48.7% of attendees traveling more than 50 miles to attend.

A statement released by the university notes that this is the first step in a strategy to “activate university facilities year-round” in hopes of “expanding economic impact, supporting local partners, and generating additional resources that benefit more than 500 Seminole student-athletes across 21 sports,” while also proving Tallahassee capable of holding and hosting large-scale national events.

“We have a responsibility to ensure our facilities create value not just on game days, but throughout the year,” Alford said. “This is a model for how we can continue to grow Tallahassee’s visibility, support our community, and strengthen Florida State Athletics.”

The numbers for Doak Campbell Stadium’s PBR event, held during the March 13-14 weekend, have yet to be announced.

“This is a powerful example of what can happen when Florida State and our community work together to attract major events,” said John Dailey, Mayor of Tallahassee. “The economic activity generated benefits businesses across Tallahassee and helps strengthen our local economy.”