Savannah Bananas Amplify the Fan Experience with New Video Display

The Savannah Bananas have become known across the country for making baseball fun. From dancing players to fan-driven entertainment, they have created a one-of-a-kind show that blends sport with spectacle. Now, the team has added a new tool to enhance the experience at historic Grayson Stadium: a Daktronics video display.

In a recent episode of The Daktronics Experience podcast, team president Jared Orton joined Justin Ochsner and myself to talk about Banana Ball, the team’s journey and the decision to bring video technology into their home stadium.

The Evolution of Banana Ball

When the Bananas first started in 2016, they were part of a college summer wooden bat league. While they focused on keeping the game fun, they were still playing traditional baseball. Orton explained that by 2018 and 2019, they wanted to do something more. They began experimenting with new rules, like a two-hour time limit and letting fans catch foul balls for outs.

After testing Banana Ball in front of 7,000 fans in Mobile, Alabama, the format caught fire. By 2021, the team committed to taking the game on the road. The unique rules and nonstop entertainment drew national attention and set the stage for a bigger vision.

From Creativity to Technology

For years, Grayson Stadium operated without a working video board. Instead, the team relied on creativity, on-field skits and fan interactions to drive the show. But after touring larger stadiums with modern technology, fans began asking how the Bananas could bring their signature moments to everyone in attendance.

That question led to installing a 26-foot-high by 47-foot-wide video board in Savannah. The goal was not to replace the entertainment but to amplify it. “We’re not just going to rely on video production to take over our creative,” Orton said. “We use it to supplement and complement the experience so everyone in the stadium can see what’s happening.”

Making Moments Bigger

From player walk-ups to walk-off celebrations, the Bananas use the new display to capture and magnify the energy on the field. Cameras follow players into the crowd or onto the basepaths, with footage shown instantly to the audience.

Fans also see interactive elements on the board, such as call-and-response features, in-game promotions and even the famous Dunkin’ Donuts strikeout bit. Orton emphasized that the display is not used for advertisements but instead to create stronger connections with fans.

Looking Ahead The Bananas’ growth shows no signs of slowing down. The team recently announced plans for a Banana Ball championship league, set to begin in 2026 with six teams. Savannah will remain the home of the Bananas while other teams travel the country to spread the game.

Orton closed with advice for any team considering new technology: do not just replicate what others have done. “Whatever is normal, do the exact opposite,” he said. “Use technology as a tool to push creativity, bring people into the moments and surprise yourself with what it can do.”

The Savannah Bananas are proving that baseball can be both competitive and wildly entertaining. With their new video display, they are ensuring every fan is part of the show, no matter where they sit.

This blog is based on episode #259 of The Daktronics Experience Podcast. To hear the full conversation, listen here.