Denver Could Benefit from the Savannah Bananas’ Excitement Over the Rockies’ Struggles

Savannah Bananas Bring Baseball Back to the Fans – And it’s Working

DENVER, CO – August 10, 2025 – Forget everything you think you know about baseball. The savannah Bananas are rewriting the rules, and they’re doing it with a whole lot of flair. The exhibition team recently brought their unique brand of baseball entertainment to Coors Field,captivating audiences and proving that the future of the sport might just lie in prioritizing fun over tradition.

The Bananas aren’t aiming to compete with Major League Baseball on the field. They openly acknowledge they wouldn’t win against a team like the Colorado Rockies.Their victory lies elsewhere – at the ticket window and, more importantly, in the hearts of fans, especially younger ones.

“It’s hard to watch a full MLB game and truly stay excited for every pitch and every play,” explains Logan,a baseball fan who attended the Bananas’ exhibition. “What the Bananas have done is, they’ve kind of revolutionized it. You don’t have to know everything about baseball to enjoy it now. You just have to enjoy the idea of baseball.”

This “idea of baseball” is a fast-paced, highly interactive experience. the Bananas are known for their on-field antics, player-fan engagement, and a general disregard for the slower, more methodical pace of traditional baseball. They’ve tapped into a desire for entertainment that extends beyond the game itself.

The team’s success isn’t lost on former MLB players. Ubaldo Jiménez, a former Rockies pitcher, recently took to the mound as an honorary Bananas pitcher, throwing a few pitches to local firefighters during the Denver event.

The Bananas represent a broader shift in the entertainment landscape. Audiences, particularly younger generations, are demanding experiences, not just observation. They want to be part of the action, and the Bananas deliver.

While a head-to-head matchup against MLB teams isn’t the goal, the Bananas are proving that baseball can be relevant and exciting again. They’re not just playing a game; they’re building a community and reminding everyone why they fell in love with baseball in the first place.

The future of baseball remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Savannah Bananas are changing the conversation, and they’re doing it one banana-themed spectacle at a time.

How might the Rockies incorporate elements of the Savannah Bananas’ fast-paced game format to address concerns about downtime during games?

The Rockies’ Attendance Woes: A Growing Concern

The Colorado Rockies are facing a significant challenge: dwindling attendance. While factors like team performance – currently holding one of the worst records in MLB – play a role, a broader issue of fan engagement is becoming apparent. Coors Field, once a major draw for baseball enthusiasts, is seeing fewer and fewer filled seats. This isn’t just a financial hit for the team; it impacts the entire Denver sports ecosystem. Declining attendance figures directly correlate with reduced local spending on concessions, parking, and surrounding businesses. The Rockies’ struggles are prompting fans to seek alternative entertainment options, and that’s where the Savannah Bananas offer a compelling case study.

The Savannah Bananas: A Baseball Revolution

The Savannah Bananas aren’t just a baseball team; they’re an experience. This collegiate summer baseball team has exploded in popularity, not through conventional baseball strategies, but through a relentless focus on entertainment. Their games are known for:

Fast-paced action: Rules are modified to keep the game moving, minimizing downtime.

On-field antics: Players dance, perform choreographed routines, and interact directly with fans.

Fan engagement: Spectators are actively involved in the game, creating a lively atmosphere.

Social media dominance: The Bananas have mastered viral marketing, building a massive online following.

This approach has resulted in sold-out games and a waiting list for tickets,a stark contrast to the challenges faced by many MLB teams,including the Rockies. The “banana Ball” experience is attracting a new demographic to baseball – those who might not traditionally be interested in a three-hour game with lengthy pauses.

How Denver and the Rockies Can Learn from the Bananas

the Rockies don’t need to become the Savannah bananas overnight, but they can adopt elements of their success. Here’s how:

1. Embrace Experiential Entertainment

Denver fans crave experiences. simply offering a baseball game isn’t enough. The Rockies could:

Themed nights: Expand beyond typical promotions to create truly immersive experiences. Think 80s night with themed costumes for players and staff, or a local artist showcase before the game.

Pre- and post-game entertainment: Live music,food festivals,and interactive games in the stadium complex can extend the fan experience.

Enhanced in-game entertainment: More frequent and engaging contests, better use of the jumbotron, and interactive elements can keep fans entertained between innings.

2. Speed Up the Pace of Play

MLB is already addressing pace-of-play issues, but the rockies can go further. Consider:

Pitch clock enforcement: Strict adherence to the pitch clock.

Limited mound visits: Reducing the number of times coaches visit the mound.

Streamlined between-inning transitions: Faster music and quicker transitions between innings.

3. Leverage Social Media & Digital Engagement

The Bananas’ social media strategy is a masterclass in viral marketing. The Rockies need to:

Behind-the-scenes content: Show fans the personalities of the players and staff.

Interactive polls and quizzes: engage fans online and gather feedback.

TikTok and Reels: Utilize short-form video content to reach a wider audience.

Fan-generated content: Encourage fans to share their experiences and feature their content on the team’s channels.

4. Focus on Family-Friendly Fun

Baseball is a great family activity. The Rockies should prioritize creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment for families:

Kids zones: Dedicated areas with games and activities for children.

Affordable ticket options: Family packages and discounted tickets for kids.

Character appearances: Mascots and other characters interacting with fans.

The Economic Impact of Fan Engagement

Increased fan engagement translates directly into economic benefits for Denver. A thriving Rockies franchise:

Boosts tourism: Attracts visitors from out of state.

Supports local businesses: Drives spending at restaurants, hotels, and shops near Coors field.

Creates jobs: Provides employment opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry.

Enhances the city’s reputation: Positions Denver as a vibrant and exciting destination.

Case Study: Other MLB Teams Embracing Entertainment

several MLB teams are already experimenting with similar strategies. The Tampa Bay Rays, for example, have transformed Tropicana Field into a vibrant entertainment destination with live music, food trucks, and interactive experiences.The Cleveland Guardians have focused on creating a more affordable and family-friendly atmosphere. These teams are demonstrating that innovation and entertainment can revitalize a baseball franchise.

Addressing Concerns: Maintaining Baseball Integrity

Some purists argue that prioritizing entertainment over traditional baseball detracts from the integrity of the game.Though, the Savannah Bananas model doesn’t necessarily abandon baseball; it enhances it. The goal is to attract new fans to* baseball, not to fundamentally change the sport itself. The Rockies can strike a balance between preserving the core elements of the game and creating a more engaging and entertaining experience.