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CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson’s Memorial Stadium has hosted national championship runs, unforgettable moments and legendary players — but it has never seen anything like this.
For the first time in its history, a baseball game will be played inside Death Valley. And it won’t be a typical ballgame. The viral sensation Savannah Bananas are bringing their high-energy Banana Ball experience to the home of Clemson football this Saturday, in what’s already being billed as the biggest event in Banana Ball history.
The event is historic on several levels. It marks the first non-football, non-NCAA event at Memorial Stadium since country music legend George Strait performed there in 1999. It will also be the first baseball game — exhibition or otherwise — played in the iconic venue.
And the buzz is real. The Bananas sold out all 81,000 seats at Memorial Stadium in just four hours. Fans from across the country are descending on Clemson to take in the electric atmosphere, off-the-wall antics and a completely reimagined version of America’s pastime.
Banana Ball isn’t just a game — it’s a show. Foul balls caught by fans count as outs. Players may ride into the stadium on horseback or break into dance mid-game. Backflips in the outfield are routine. And while the fun is front and center, don’t be fooled — these players can hit.
That might become a factor Saturday. The left field line at Memorial Stadium measures just 190 feet from home plate — even shorter than the 225-foot line at Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. For context, most Major League parks feature left field fences well over 300 feet. With that kind of short porch and 81,000 fans packed in, pop-ups might turn into home runs in a hurry.
To manage safety concerns, organizers installed a 50-foot protective net — provided by Netting Pros — stretching from behind home plate down to the 25-yard line, nearly to center field. The tight corners and unique sightlines add to the spectacle.
Clemson fans got a taste of Banana Ball last year when the Bananas played an exhibition game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium alongside the Tigers’ own baseball team. That game went viral on social media, amassing millions of views and sparking the idea for something bigger — much bigger.
Team Owner Jess Cole sings with fans during the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Historic Grayson Stadium.© Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
To bring the vision to life, Clemson’s athletic department partnered with Bananas owner Jesse Cole and head baseball coach Erik Bakich. The transformation of a football field into a baseball diamond included hauling in 200 tons of red clay, building a regulation infield and pitcher’s mound, and installing the outfield netting.
Despite the logistical challenges, excitement around the event has been electric. The Bananas are handling all general ticket and merchandise sales, while Clemson is benefiting from concessions, parking, premium seating and co-branded gear. The stadium will even serve a limited-edition “Banana Beer,” thanks to Clemson’s recent decision to allow alcohol sales at sporting events.
As for what fans can expect during the game? The Bananas are staying tight-lipped, teasing only “a few fun surprises” and encouraging fans to “keep their eyes peeled.”
Clemson's Death Valley ready for Banana Ball Savannah Bananas
This isn’t just a crossover between sports — it’s a full-blown cultural event. And on Saturday, Memorial Stadium will take center stage in the world of Banana Ball.
Clemson fans, get ready. Death Valley is about to go Bananas.
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For the first time in its history, a baseball game will be played inside Death Valley. And it won’t be a typical ballgame. The viral sensation Savannah Bananas are bringing their high-energy Banana Ball experience to the home of Clemson football this Saturday, in what’s already being billed as the biggest event in Banana Ball history.
The event is historic on several levels. It marks the first non-football, non-NCAA event at Memorial Stadium since country music legend George Strait performed there in 1999. It will also be the first baseball game — exhibition or otherwise — played in the iconic venue.
And the buzz is real. The Bananas sold out all 81,000 seats at Memorial Stadium in just four hours. Fans from across the country are descending on Clemson to take in the electric atmosphere, off-the-wall antics and a completely reimagined version of America’s pastime.
Banana Ball isn’t just a game — it’s a show. Foul balls caught by fans count as outs. Players may ride into the stadium on horseback or break into dance mid-game. Backflips in the outfield are routine. And while the fun is front and center, don’t be fooled — these players can hit.
That might become a factor Saturday. The left field line at Memorial Stadium measures just 190 feet from home plate — even shorter than the 225-foot line at Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series. For context, most Major League parks feature left field fences well over 300 feet. With that kind of short porch and 81,000 fans packed in, pop-ups might turn into home runs in a hurry.
To manage safety concerns, organizers installed a 50-foot protective net — provided by Netting Pros — stretching from behind home plate down to the 25-yard line, nearly to center field. The tight corners and unique sightlines add to the spectacle.
Clemson fans got a taste of Banana Ball last year when the Bananas played an exhibition game at Doug Kingsmore Stadium alongside the Tigers’ own baseball team. That game went viral on social media, amassing millions of views and sparking the idea for something bigger — much bigger.
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Team Owner Jess Cole sings with fans during the Savannah Bananas first home game of the season on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 at Historic Grayson Stadium.© Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
To bring the vision to life, Clemson’s athletic department partnered with Bananas owner Jesse Cole and head baseball coach Erik Bakich. The transformation of a football field into a baseball diamond included hauling in 200 tons of red clay, building a regulation infield and pitcher’s mound, and installing the outfield netting.
Despite the logistical challenges, excitement around the event has been electric. The Bananas are handling all general ticket and merchandise sales, while Clemson is benefiting from concessions, parking, premium seating and co-branded gear. The stadium will even serve a limited-edition “Banana Beer,” thanks to Clemson’s recent decision to allow alcohol sales at sporting events.
As for what fans can expect during the game? The Bananas are staying tight-lipped, teasing only “a few fun surprises” and encouraging fans to “keep their eyes peeled.”
You must be registered for see images attach
Clemson's Death Valley ready for Banana Ball Savannah Bananas
This isn’t just a crossover between sports — it’s a full-blown cultural event. And on Saturday, Memorial Stadium will take center stage in the world of Banana Ball.
Clemson fans, get ready. Death Valley is about to go Bananas.
Related: Clemson QB Cade Klubnik Makes Embarrassing Slip-Up With Savannah Bananas at Death Valley
Related: Ex-Braves Star Shines in Iconic Moment at Truist Park During Savannah Bananas 'Banana Ball' Game
Related: Ex-Braves Star Shines in Iconic Moment at Truist Park During Savannah Bananas 'Banana Ball' Game
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