Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2026
While its gameplay is unconventional, Banana Ball cracked the formula on brand loyalty through its Fans First approach. During a stop on the Banana Ball world tour, Sports Management students implemented this model firsthand while working with Fans First Entertainment at the Firefighters vs. Indianapolis Clowns game series March 20-22 in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Their motto is Fans First, so we helped them be able to create that image for the weekend,” said junior and Sports Management Club President Haleigh Redden. “I had a lot of fun with the Banana Ball staff and getting to work with some great hardworking students in our major.”
The history of Banana Ball started with the Savannah Bananas, owned by Jesse Cole and his wife. After playing as a collegiate summer team for seven seasons, the Coles and their organization Fans First Entertainment developed the Banana Ball Championship League, which includes six independent professional teams: The Firefighters, Party Animals, the Texas Tailgaters, the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns.
“Their rules and show are a hit with fans all over the country with only two-hour games and crazy rules like fans catching a foul ball is an out,” said Dr. Clay Bolton, Associate Professor of Sports Management. “The Bananas typically play Party Animals in very large stadiums while the other four teams play each other at small minor league ballparks.”
The LC group, made up of 14 students, served round-the-clock from set up to tear down.
“The weekend started with unloading trucks from the teams,” said junior Henry Brodnax. “We also spent time with fans, greeting them into the stadium and making sure their experience was great from the beginning.”
Sophomore Ian McLargin said he experienced a memorable moment after the Saturday game.
“All the crew members made a human tunnel for fans to run through on their way out of the stadium,” he said. “Seeing the joys from kids and even adults getting to run through the tunnel and high-five people was pretty cool.”
Freshman Seth Horne, who helped with merchandise and ticket sales, said the Banana Ball employees created a positive and engaging environment to work.
“I enjoyed the atmosphere because it was always high energy and the staff was very good at making sure that we had everything we needed,” he said.
Junior Henry Brodnax said his Banana Ball experience was one for the books.
“I have had the opportunity to work many events but none like this one,” he said. The way that the players and workers interacted with fans was amazing to see.”
Dr. Bolton said these are the kind of opportunities that do not come around every day.
“This was a rare experience to witness a major event like this from start to finish and participate in all aspects,” he said. “We look forward to building this partnership.”
Category: Students, Service, Academics
Keywords: Business, Athletics
