The last time this much excitement surrounded a game at Doak Campbell Stadium was nearly five months ago.
Different year, different sport.
The Savannah Bananas will debut in Tallahassee starting Thursday, Feb. 26, with three sold-out games opening the organization’s 11th season and 2026 World Tour. Games are scheduled for Feb. 26-27 at Dick Howser Stadium (6,700 capacity) and Feb. 28 at Doak Campbell Stadium (67,277), with all three set to begin at 7 p.m.
The last time a sold-out crowd filled Doak Campbell Stadium was Oct. 4, 2025, when Florida State lost to state rival Miami during the 2025 football season.
The three-game series will feature Banana Ball’s six teams: the Bananas, Party Animals, Texas Tailgaters, Firefighters, and expansion teams the Indianapolis Clowns and the Loco Beach Coconuts.
“I can’t wait to see it in person,” said Tallahassee resident David Ross, a two-time World Series champion and former Chicago Cubs manager who plans to attend Thursday’s opener between the Firefighters and Coconuts.
“It’s surrounded by entertainment with competition mixed in. I’m really excited to be part of the fan base because I’ve heard so many great things about it.”
Local connections with Banana Ball
Fans might be familiar with seven players or coaches connected with Banana Ball. The group includes former Florida A&M outfielder Ty Jackson (Bananas); former Godby, Tallahassee State College and Florida State third baseman Logan Lacey (Firefighters); former FAMU outfielder Malachi Mitchell (Clowns); former TSC pitcher Christian Dearman (Firefighters); former TSC outfielder Tanner Thomas (Party Animals); former TSC assistant coach and Chiles head coach Corey Pye (pitching coach with Firefighters) and former Thomas University coach Errick Fox (Clowns’ manager).
Weather forecast for Tallahassee
According to AccuWeather.com, Thursday expects to be mostly cloudy and breezy; a passing afternoon shower or two with a high of 73 degrees. Friday expects to feature variable cloudiness with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm with a high of 73 degrees. And Saturday’s forecast expects to include a shower in the area in the morning; otherwise, mostly cloudy and warmer with a high of 79 degrees.
According to the Banana’s official website, it says “While it may be raining where you are coming from, there is probably sunshine and butterflies in Bananaland. Even if it’s wet – We always closely monitor the weather, and do everything humanly (and Bananaly) possible in order to play games as they are scheduled. 9 times out of 10, we’re playing ball once the weather clears. 10 times out of 10, we STILL put on a heck of a show! Best thing you can do is plan to be at the ballpark ready to rock, as we anticipate everything to start on time! Should things change, we will communicate via email as well as post on our social media accounts!”
Taking over Dunkin’ on Tennessee Street
On Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m., players from the Savannah Bananas and Texas Tailgaters will take over the Dunkin’ at 1617 W. Tennessee St., going behind the counter to serve guests and stick around for photos and autographs with fans.
At Doak, the pregame Plaza opens at 2 p.m. The day’s timeline also includes player appearances at 2 p.m., Before the Peel Show at 3 p.m. and gates open at 4:30 p.m. The show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Pre-Game
Fans are encouraged to use the following roadways to access parking on and around FSU’s campus.
Fans are advised to allow extra time for travel to ensure early arrival at the game.
On Campus Parking (SOLD OUT)
Parking lots open at 10 a.m. Please follow the parking lot directions to enter your specific lot, as several roads are closed on game day. Parking passes must be displayed on a mobile device upon entry. Screenshots will not be accepted. Each pass admits one vehicle. Re-entry is not permitted. A complimentary shuttle service will be available to pick up and drop off guests before and after the game, as indicated on the map.
If you are parking in lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14 or 23, please approach the stadium from the east via Pensacola Street. If you are parking in lots 1, 2, 3, 4, please approach the stadium from the east via Gaines Street or the west from Pensacola Street. If you are parking in lots 25 or 13, the most direct route will be to take West Tennessee Street to Woodward Avenue. Motorists who do not have pre-purchased parking are encouraged to use either Tennessee Street or Lake Bradford Road to look for general parking directions using the free SeminoleSafe App (see below for more information about the app).
Lots 17 & 19 will be available to FSU fans planning to visit any of the FSU sporting events on Saturday, Feb. 28. Lot 11 will be held for baseball parking pass holders for the FSU baseball game and then will become available for the general public.
Accessible Parking (SOLD OUT)
On-campus accessible parking is sold out. Parking is located on the lower level of parking garage 9. A complimentary shuttle service will be available before, during and after the game for drop-off and pick-up between Lot 9 and the stadium at Gates D and H.
Park & Ride
For fans who were unable to pre-purchase parking on FSU’s campus, off-site parking will be available at parking garage 1 at Bragg Memorial Stadium on FAMU’s campus. Fans can park offsite in the garage and enjoy a short ride to the stadium. The cost per rider is $7.50 if purchased before Friday at 5 p.m. Day-of purchases will be $10 per rider. The address for the parking garage is 1546 Althea Gibson Way. The drop-off/pick-up site at Doak Campbell Stadium is at the intersection of Hendry Street and Stadium Drive.
Ride ShareThere are two designated ride share drop-off and pick-up locations.
Lot 17: 355 Stadium Drive
Bank of America: 803 Lake Bradford Rd.
Flex Tram
Seminole Boosters will provide Event Day Courtesy Carts for those who need assistance getting to the stadium from their assigned lot. Event Day Courtesy Carts will be available throughout the day and will stop at designated pickup locations periodically for fans to utilize. These carts will run from 2-11 p.m.
Post-Game
After the game is finished, Pensacola Street east of the stadium will be modified to flow one-way for eastbound traffic only, heading away from the stadium.
Here’s the Banana Ball schedule in Tallahassee
Thursday, Feb. 26: Firefighters vs. Coconuts, Howser Stadium, 7 p.m. (sold out)
Friday, Feb. 27: Party Animals vs. Clowns, Howser Stadium, 7 p.m. (sold out)
Saturday, Feb. 28: Bananas vs. Tailgaters, Doak Campbell Stadium, 7 p.m. (sold out)
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Savannah Bananas set to take over Tallahassee: What you need to know
Reporting by Jim Henry, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
