Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on: Sunday, 08 June 2025
Historic Homecoming: Eric Jones at Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte native Eric Jones, a former Carolina Panthers fan, returned to his hometown to play for the Savannah Bananas at Bank of America Stadium on June 6–7, 2025. This marked the first time the stadium hosted a baseball game, with the Bananas facing the Party Animals in front of a combined audience of 150,000 fans .(axios.com)
From Major Leagues to Banana Ball
Jones’s journey to the Bananas began after a successful collegiate career at Davidson College and stints in both major and minor league baseball. In 2022, he chose to join the Bananas during their World Tour, captivated by their unique blend of baseball and entertainment. He later returned to the Mariners as a bullpen catcher but ultimately decided to rejoin the Bananas full-time, embracing the opportunity to perform and entertain fans across the country .(charlotteobserver.com)
A Night to Remember
For Jones, playing at Bank of America Stadium was a dream come true. He recalled attending Panthers games there as a child and never imagined he would return as a professional athlete. The event featured not only high-energy baseball but also choreographed dances, unique uniforms, and interactive fan experiences, embodying the Bananas’ motto: “Fans First, Entertain Always” .(charlottesports.org)
Charlotte’s Connection to the Bananas
The Bananas’ Charlotte stop was part of their 2025 World Tour, which included a second game added due to overwhelming demand. This was the first time baseball was played at Bank of America Stadium, highlighting the growing popularity of Banana Ball and its appeal to a diverse audience .(axios.com)
FAQs
Q1: What is Banana Ball?
Banana Ball is a fast-paced, entertainment-focused version of baseball created by the Savannah Bananas. It includes unique rules like no walks, batters can steal first base, and fan interactions such as catching foul balls for outs .(charlotteobserver.com, dukechronicle.com)
Q2: How can I watch Savannah Bananas games?
Savannah Bananas games are typically streamed on their official website and social media platforms. For live events, tickets are available through their ticket lottery system.(axios.com)
Q3: Who are the Party Animals?
The Party Animals are the Savannah Bananas’ primary opponents in Banana Ball games. They are a team of former professional and collegiate players who engage in the same high-energy, entertaining style of play .(en.wikipedia.org)
Q4: What other events are held at Bank of America Stadium?
Bank of America Stadium hosts various events, including Carolina Panthers football games, Charlotte FC soccer matches, concerts, and special events like the FIFA Club World Cup .(clttoday.6amcity.com)
Q5: How can I get tickets for future Savannah Bananas games?
Tickets for Savannah Bananas games are often sold through a lottery system. Interested fans should sign up for notifications on the Bananas’ official website to stay informed about ticket availability and upcoming events.
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