Conway, South Carolina Goes Bananas for the Savannah Bananas

Introduction: A Banana Craze Sweeps Into Conway

In the heart of Horry County, Conway, South Carolina, has found itself caught up in an unexpected whirlwind—not of tropical storms or spring break crowds, but of banana suits, synchronized dances, and a baseball revolution. The source? None other than the Savannah Bananas, the viral baseball team that’s turned the sport into a nationwide entertainment phenomenon.

With hopes of being included on the Bananas’ coveted 2026 World Tour, Conway has launched a full-scale grassroots campaign to woo the team into choosing its charming city for a stop. From social media blitzes to community rallies, the city is determined to prove it can go just as bananas as any city in America.

Who Are the Savannah Bananas?

Before diving into Conway’s enthusiastic efforts, it’s worth understanding what makes the Savannah Bananas such a draw.

Founded in 2016, the Savannah Bananas quickly evolved from a collegiate summer league baseball team into a full-blown entertainment franchise. Under the leadership of owner Jesse Cole—infamous for his yellow tuxedo and showman charisma—the team pioneered “Banana Ball,” a new format of baseball with altered rules designed to speed up the game and amplify fun. Think no bunting, no stepping out of the batter’s box, fan-decided challenges, and a two-hour time limit.

With more than 6 million TikTok followers and sold-out stadiums across the country, the Bananas have reimagined what baseball can be—part sport, part circus, and wholly unforgettable.

Conway Steps Up to the Plate

Conway’s campaign to bring the Bananas to town began as an organic outpouring of local excitement. Soon, city officials and Coastal Carolina University partnered to turn this buzz into a serious bid.

The proposed venue, Springs Brooks Stadium—home of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers—is a natural fit. With a capacity of 5,400 and modern amenities, the stadium has hosted NCAA postseason games and high-profile matchups. Conway’s location, just 15 miles inland from Myrtle Beach, makes it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists alike.

In an official announcement, the city encouraged residents to tag the team on social media with the hashtag #BananasInConway, showing off their support and love for the zany team.

A City-Wide Effort

Local businesses have joined the movement, creating banana-themed specials and window displays. Schools and youth sports teams have shared videos of students reenacting Banana Ball antics. Conway’s mayor even made a public statement throwing full support behind the initiative.

“This isn’t just about baseball,” said one city council member. “It’s about bringing the community together and showing the rest of the country what makes Conway special.”

The campaign echoes previous cities that successfully brought the Bananas to town—proving that community enthusiasm and infrastructure are just as important as stadium specs.

Why Conway Makes Sense

The Bananas’ team emphasizes fan experience, family-friendly fun, and community integration. Conway hits all those notes:

• Proximity to Myrtle Beach tourism: Bananas games could serve as an added draw for beachgoers.
• A baseball-rich town: With CCU’s 2016 College World Series championship, baseball has deep roots in the city.
• Community buy-in: The groundswell of support from local leaders and residents demonstrates that Conway wouldn’t just host the team—it would celebrate them.

Additionally, the Bananas’ mission to make baseball fun and accessible aligns perfectly with the region’s growing reputation for inclusive and unique events.

What a Bananas Stop Could Mean for Conway

Landing a stop on the Bananas World Tour would be a significant economic and cultural win for Conway. Previous host cities have reported:

• Increased tourism revenue: Hotels, restaurants, and retail shops saw boosts from out-of-town fans.
• National media exposure: Coverage from ESPN, CBS, and social media influencers would shine a spotlight on the host city.
• Enhanced community pride: Schools, youth teams, and families found new ways to connect through the sport.

Economic estimates from previous stops suggest a single Bananas game can generate six-figure local revenue, thanks to full-capacity crowds and ancillary spending.

The Competition Is Fierce

Over 150 cities are vying for a stop on the 2026 tour. Some are MLB spring training facilities, others are storied college towns, and many have bigger stadiums. However, the Bananas are known for choosing venues not just on size, but on soul.

“They go where the fans are most passionate,” said one insider. “It’s not just about the lights and field—it’s about the vibe.”

Conway’s challenge will be maintaining campaign momentum in the coming months, proving not only their interest but their commitment to turning Banana Ball into a signature event.

The Community Speaks

Local residents have already begun recording heartfelt and hilarious video pitches to the team.

One video features a group of grandmothers reenacting a Banana Ball dance routine. Another showcases CCU baseball alumni reminiscing about their favorite stadium moments—and how they’d love to see that field used for the Bananas.

Schoolchildren have drawn bananas on poster boards with slogans like “Banana Ball = Best Ball” and “Come to Conway, We’re Ripe!”

It’s a showcase of Conway’s charm, creativity, and community spirit—qualities that resonate strongly with the Bananas brand.

What’s Next?

The Savannah Bananas are expected to announce their 2026 tour cities in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, Conway will continue its campaign, encourage viral participation, and wait for that long-anticipated nod.

Meanwhile, other cities will do the same—but few may match the Southern hospitality, collegiate energy, and unrelenting enthusiasm that Conway is currently exhibiting.

Going Bananas—Together

Whether or not the Savannah Bananas officially choose Conway, the city has already achieved something special. A community-wide campaign built on joy, playfulness, and collective spirit is itself a rare win.

In a time where so much divides, the chance to come together—around baseball, bananas, and a dream—reminds everyone that sometimes the silliest things are the most powerful.

Conway has gone bananas. And win or lose, they’ve proven their love for America’s most entertaining team.