The 2026 Savannah Bananas Stadium Proposal: Jesse Cole’s Bold Vision for South Carolina
In the spring of 2026, a new chapter in American baseball and entertainment began to unfold when Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole officially submitted a budget request to the Governor of South Carolina. His vision was bold, ambitious, and undeniably unique: the construction of a 40,000-capacity Savannah Bananas Baseball Stadium, a landmark that would not only host games but also become a cultural hub for community life, tourism, and national attention.
This proposal was more than just a request for funds. It represented the culmination of years of growth for the Bananas, a team that transformed baseball into “Banana Ball,” a fan-first experience that blended athleticism with joy, creativity, and a touch of spectacle. By 2026, the Bananas had already become a nationwide phenomenon, touring across the country, selling out MLB stadiums, and redefining what baseball could mean for modern audiences. Yet Jesse Cole insisted that their success needed a permanent home—a stadium that embodied their values, amplified their energy, and gave fans a gathering place unlike any other in sports.
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Why South Carolina?
For many, the first question was simple: why South Carolina and not Georgia, where the Bananas originated at Grayson Stadium in Savannah? Cole’s answer reflected both practicality and vision.
South Carolina’s strategic location made it ideal for regional tourism. It borders Georgia, maintains close cultural ties with Savannah, and sits along well-traveled routes that attract both Southern residents and visitors from across the East Coast. Cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville had already demonstrated passionate support for live sports, and South Carolina’s growing population created demand for major entertainment infrastructure.
Cole envisioned South Carolina not just as a partner but as a co-architect in building the future of Banana Ball. The state had the space, the resources, and the appetite for innovation. By situating the new stadium in South Carolina, the Bananas would expand their geographic reach, bring economic benefits to new communities, and ensure that their home was as bold and boundary-pushing as their mission.
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The Budget Request
The 2026 budget request submitted to the Governor was detailed, transparent, and forward-looking. It outlined plans for:
1. Construction of a 40,000-seat stadium designed with fan-first entertainment in mind. Unlike traditional ballparks, this one would include:
A circular concourse with carnival-style food stalls.
Open spaces for music performances, dance-offs, and interactive fan games.
Cutting-edge digital screens for real-time engagement.
Family zones, youth fields, and recreational spaces for local use.
2. Sustainability measures, such as solar panels, water recycling systems, and energy-efficient lighting, to ensure the stadium was environmentally responsible and cost-effective in the long run.
3. Community-centered design, where the stadium would not sit idle during the off-season. Instead, it would host high school games, concerts, festivals, and cultural events, making it a year-round driver of activity.
4. Economic projections, showing that the stadium could attract hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, generate millions in tourism revenue, create thousands of jobs, and establish South Carolina as the permanent “home of Banana Ball.”
The Bananas’ request emphasized partnership. Jesse Cole was not asking the state to carry the full weight of the project but to approve funding that would catalyze investment. Private partners, corporate sponsors, and fan-backed initiatives were all part of the financing plan. The state’s approval would unlock the momentum needed to bring it all together.
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The Governor’s Role
For the Governor of South Carolina, the proposal carried both opportunity and responsibility. On one hand, approving the stadium promised significant returns: tourism growth, job creation, and a high-profile partnership with one of the most talked-about teams in America. On the other, it demanded careful consideration of taxpayer resources, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability.
The Governor’s office immediately recognized the symbolic power of the request. This wasn’t just another stadium; it was a movement. The Bananas were no ordinary baseball team. They represented a new era of sports entertainment, where fans were as much a part of the show as the players. Supporting this proposal meant aligning South Carolina with a cultural phenomenon that had already proven its ability to unite people across ages, regions, and backgrounds.
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The Cultural Case
Beyond dollars and logistics, Jesse Cole’s request carried a deeper argument: culture. He argued that the Savannah Bananas had sparked joy and community in ways traditional sports had forgotten. Fans danced, sang, and laughed. Kids fell in love with baseball not through statistics or standings but through fun and play. Families found affordable, uplifting entertainment that bonded them together.
In his pitch, Cole emphasized that the new stadium would serve as a beacon for this cultural movement. It would be more than bricks and seats. It would be a monument to creativity, joy, and togetherness. “Banana Ball belongs to everyone,” he said. “And this stadium will make sure everyone feels at home.”
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Economic Impact
The proposal also highlighted the economic stakes. Studies conducted ahead of the request projected:
Tourism revenue: With the Bananas’ nationwide fan base, games at the new stadium could draw visitors from across the U.S., boosting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
Job creation: Both in construction and in ongoing operations, the project could employ thousands of South Carolina residents.
Cultural tourism: Just as Cooperstown thrives because of baseball’s Hall of Fame, South Carolina could become a pilgrimage site for Banana Ball fans.
National attention: Hosting games in a 40,000-capacity stadium built specifically for Banana Ball would position South Carolina at the center of sports media coverage.
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A Vision for the Future
Jesse Cole’s budget request was not just about 2026 but about the next 50 years. He envisioned the stadium as the permanent capital of Banana Ball, a place where generations would gather, laugh, and fall in love with baseball all over again. He spoke of youth tournaments, international exhibitions, and collaborations with schools and nonprofits.
Most importantly, he insisted that the stadium would remain accessible. Ticket prices would reflect the Bananas’ tradition of affordability, ensuring that families of all backgrounds could participate. “This stadium is not for the elite,” Cole said. “It’s for the people. It’s for the kids who dream. It’s for the families who want to make memories.”
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Conclusion
The 2026 budget request submitted to the Governor of South Carolina marked a turning point in the story of the Savannah Bananas. What began as a small team in historic Grayson Stadium had blossomed into a national phenomenon. Now, Jesse Cole sought to anchor that phenomenon in a permanent, transformative home: a 40,000-capacity stadium built on joy, creativity, and community.
Whether or not the proposal would be approved, one truth was clear—the Bananas were no longer just a baseball team. They were a movement, and South Carolina had the chance to be the stage where the movement found its greatest expression.
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