Banana Ball: 2026 Schedule| Lottery| Tickets| New Teams

Banana Ball 2026: A New Era of Sport + Spectacle

Banana Ball continues redefining baseball as we know it. Born from the Savannah Bananas’ flair for fun, Banana Ball (or the Banana Ball Championship League, starting 2026) merges competitive play with entertainment in a way that’s part sport, part show.

With the 2026 season, the league is not only growing in reach and ambition — with a massive world tour and iconic stadium stops — but also evolving its structure, expanding its team roster, refining ticketing processes, and amplifying engagement. Let’s dive deep into what fans can expect in 2026 — from the schedule and new teams to the lottery ticket system and tips for attending your first Banana Ball event.

What Is Banana Ball?

Before we examine 2026, it helps to revisit Banana Ball’s essence. Rather than following conventional baseball rules strictly, Banana Ball infuses theatrical elements, fast pacing, and fan participation into the game.

Some signature rules:

• Point-per-inning system: Each inning is worth one point; the team that scores more runs in the inning wins that point. In the final inning, runs count as points directly.

• Two-hour time limit: There’s a cap on game length — no new inning starts after 120 minutes.

• No stepping out of the batter’s box: Batters must stay in the box or incur an automatic strike.

• No bunting allowed: Bunting results in ejection.

• Steal first base rule: Batters can attempt to steal first base even during their at bat (on a wild pitch or passed ball).

• Golden Batter rule: Once per game, a team may send any hitter to bat in any spot, giving them a chance to deploy a clutch hitter regardless of batting order.

• Equalizer Point: In 2026 a new “equalizer” rule introduces trick plays. If the visiting team has more trick plays in the first eight innings, they earn an extra point before the ninth.

Beyond the rules, Banana Ball matches frequently include choreographed routines, comedic antics, and direct fan interplay — such as catching a foul ball for an out. The league has drawn comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters for its mix of showmanship and sport.

2026 Banana Ball Schedule: World Tour & Key Stops

The Big Picture

The 2026 season marks a major expansion for Banana Ball. The league will tour 75 stadiums across 45 states. It will include 14 Major League Baseball parks and 10 football stadiums, including massive venues like Texas A&M’s Kyle Field (102,000 capacity) and Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium (101,000). For the first time, the tour will hit the Saints’ Superdome and Gillette Stadium.

The schedule kicks off in February/March 2026, with exhibitions and matchups in warm-weather locations, and will continue through October, culminating in the Banana Bowl on October 10, 2026.

Sample Big Dates & Venues

From the published schedule and announcements, here are notable games and stops (tentative / subject to final confirmation):

The official schedule page offers a full list of dates across months (February through October) with matchups between all Banana Ball teams.

Use the official schedule as your reference, because matchups, times, and venues could shift.

New Teams in 2026: Loco Beach Coconuts & Indianapolis Clowns

One of the most thrilling announcements for 2026 is the introduction of two new teams, bringing the league from four to six teams.

Loco Beach Coconuts

• A tropical, beach-themed team brought in as an entertainment vehicle — full of island vibes, flair, and relaxed energy.

• Shane Victorino, former MLB outfielder and fan-favorite, will serve as the team’s “prime-time coach.”

• The aim is to bring a coastal identity and visual variety to the league.

Indianapolis Clowns (Revival)

• The Indianapolis Clowns were originally a Negro League barnstorming team known for melding baseball with entertainment (akin to the Harlem Globetrotters in basketball).

• Their revival is symbolic — blending history, heritage, and fun.

• Ryan Howard, 2006 NL MVP and former MLB star, is slated as the primetime coach to bring both credibility and charisma.

These teams will compete alongside the existing rosters:

1. Savannah Bananas

2. Party Animals

3. Firefighters

4. Texas Tailgaters

5. Loco Beach Coconuts

6. Indianapolis Clowns

The addition of two new teams not only allows more matchups and more markets, but gives creative flexibility for scheduling, regional shows, and fan variety.

Ticketing & Lottery for 2026

Because demand often outpaces supply for Banana Ball shows, the league uses a ticket lottery system to distribute access fairly.

How the Lottery Works

• The ticket lottery list is open until October 31, 2025. Anyone wishing to attend games must sign up before that deadline.

• Importantly, the timing of your registration doesn’t affect your chances — the drawing is random.

• Once drawn, fans receive the opportunity to purchase tickets in their selected city.

• You can select which city you want, but this doesn’t guarantee availability for high-interest cities.

• Tickets are sold via the official FansFirstTickets.com platform. Any tickets offered outside this or through third-party sellers may be fraudulent.

• Each person selected in the lottery can buy up to 5 tickets.

• Group or hospitality tickets are limited; you must indicate interest in those when signing up.

• Children age 3 and under who sit on a lap generally do not require a ticket (unless you want extra legroom).

Ticket Pricing

• Base ticket prices typically start at $35 when purchased legitimately via the official system.

• In large venues or premium seats, ticket prices may start higher (e.g. $40+).

• Be wary of third-party listings at inflated prices — many are fraudulent or invalid.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t procrastinate: though timing doesn’t affect chances, cities with huge demand may sell out.

• Always use the official site (bananaball.com or FansFirstTickets.com) to join the lottery or purchase tickets.

• Avoid buying through resale sites unless verified.

• If traveling, consider attending games in secondary cities where demand is lower.

• Keep track of announcement windows — priority access may eventually open for sponsors or season ticket holders.

Why 2026 Is Special — What’s New

Massive Expansion & Reach

The 2026 tour scale is unprecedented. With stops across 45 states and 75 stadiums, Banana Ball will reach new audiences at venues old and new. The inclusion of massive stadiums like Kyle Field, Neyland, and NFL venues marks a new level of ambition.

Two Fresh Team Identities

Adding the Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns introduces fresh branding, regional flavor, and narrative depth to matchups. Fans will have more variety, more rivalry storylines, and more creative matches to look forward to.

New Rules & Competitive Tweaks

With the introduction of the Equalizer Point, teams must strategize trick plays, not just traditional scoring. This keeps games unpredictable and dynamic.

The league’s structure also evolves: 2026 marks the formalization of the Banana Ball Championship League — with more standardization and competitive integrity.

Historic and Iconic Venues

Banana Ball has never toured on this scale. This season’s stadiums include both large and intimate ballparks, from MLB fields to football arenas and college stadiums. This versatility allows fans in diverse markets to attend.

Legacy & Heritage

Resurrecting the Indianapolis Clowns connects Banana Ball to baseball history and the Negro Leagues. The blend of homage and innovation appeals both to nostalgia and modern spectacle.

How to Plan Your 2026 Banana Ball Experience

If you’re eager to catch Banana Ball live in 2026, here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Sign up for the Lottery
   Do this before October 31, 2025, via bananaball.com. Choose your preferred city or venue(s).

2. Monitor announcements
   Watch for when lottery draws occur, and when ticket purchase windows open for those selected.

3. Decide your target cities
   Look at the schedule in advance and find locations that are feasible for you (travel, lodging, cost). The schedule page shows all matchups by date.

4. Be ready when your draw occurs
   Once drawn, follow the instructions quickly to claim your ticket before inventory runs out.

5. Plan travel & lodging early
   Popular cities/dates may see rapid demand — book your travel and accommodations as soon as possible.

6. Go ready for the event
   Bring the essentials: seat cushions, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks (if allowed), and a camera. Familiarize yourself with venue policies.

7. Experience the show fully
   Arrive early for pre-game spectacles, engage in games, enjoy fan interactions, and soak in the mix of sport + entertainment.

8. Stay alert for updates
   Match times or venues may shift — stay connected to official Banana Ball channels for alerts.

FAQs & Common Questions

Q: Does signing up guarantee I’ll get tickets?
A: No — signing up enters you into a random drawing. Only some selected entrants get the opportunity to purchase tickets.

Q: Does earlier registration increase my odds?
A: No. The lottery is random, regardless of when you join (as long as you join before the deadline).

Q: How many tickets can I buy if selected?
A: Up to 5 tickets per person in most cases.

Q: Are there VIP or group passes?
A: Yes, but they are limited. You should indicate interest when you sign up; if available, the team will contact you.

Q: Where do tickets start in price?
A: Base ticket prices start around $35 when purchased via the official system.

Q: Are tickets via third-party resale safe?
A: They’re risky. Only tickets from the official system (FansFirstTickets.com / bananaball.com) are guaranteed.

Q: Can I bring my child without a ticket?
A: Children aged 3 and under can typically sit on a lap without a ticket unless you want separate seating.

Why 2026 Is a Must-Watch for Sports & Entertainment Fans

Banana Ball blends bold theatrical elements with real competition. For 2026:

• Scale and audacity: Touring 75 stadiums, including NFL and flagship college venues, is unprecedented for this format.

• Fresh branding & stories: Two new teams deepen the lore and offer novelty.

• Innovative competition: New rules and equalizer points keep each game unpredictable.

• Fan-centric approach: The lottery system, crowd involvement, and showmanship make fans more than spectators — they are part of the experience.

• Legacy connection: Reviving the Clowns stitches baseball’s tradition with its future.

Whether you’re a diehard baseball fan, someone craving something uniquely entertaining, or just curious to attend one of the most talked-about sports spectacles — Banana Ball in 2026 promises to deliver.