Banana Ball generated millions in economic impact in NC. A look at the numbers
UNC and the Savannah Bananas generated more than $17.1 million in direct economic impact for the greater Chapel Hill area during the Bananas’ two-game appearance at Kenan Stadium in April, according to figures released Monday by UNC Athletics.
The April 11-12 event, which drew more than 100,000 fans to Chapel Hill, produced an estimated $24.3 million in total economic impact when including indirect spending, such as vendor hiring, retailer restocking and additional services needed to support tourism. UNC said the direct spending total included money spent by visitors on hotels, parking, concessions, merchandise and transportation.
According to UNC, the weekend brought more than 25,000 overnight visitors and more than 75,000 day visitors to the area. An average of 16,984 hotel rooms were booked per night, per UNC.
“It was really special to see our University, Department, Town and local businesses come together to host such an impactful and memorable event,” UNC’s incoming athletic director, Steve Newmark, said in a statement. “Bringing these two games to Kenan Stadium not only allowed us to introduce new visitors to Chapel Hill, but also helped strengthen our local economy in ways we hope to duplicate in the future.”
The Savannah Bananas transformed Kenan Stadium from a football venue into a baseball and entertainment spectacle for the sold-out series in April against the Texas Tailgaters. UNC officials have repeatedly pointed to opportunities like this as part of a broader effort to generate additional revenue through special events.
“Our ability to host — and sell out — new special events like this one represents an important part of our developing revenue growth strategy for Carolina Athletics,” UNC Chief Revenue Officer Rick Barakat said in a statement.
The event generated an estimated $771,460 in local tax revenue, per UNC, and produced between 18 million and 25 million social media impressions tied to Savannah Bananas content.
This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 7:37 PM with the headline "Banana Ball generated millions in economic impact in NC. A look at the numbers."