BY DAN GLICKMAN
In a first for Rochester, ESL Ballpark will host two games of “Banana Ball” in 2027.
It was announced on Thursday by the Savannah Bananas on the 2027 Banana Ball Selection Show that the Texas Tailgaters and Loco Beach Coconuts will play games in Rochester on July 2 and 3 as part of the Banana Ball Championship League.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to provide this incredible entertainment experience to fans in 2027,” said Rochester Red Wings President, CEO and COO Naomi Silver in a press release. “Rochester has been clamoring for the opportunity to see the outstanding Banana Ball performers, and we have worked for some time to bring them to ESL Ballpark. We are excited to make this happen and know it will be a huge hit for all.”
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“We have been working on bringing Banana Ball to our community and our amazing fans for about four years, so we are incredibly excited to host these entertaining events at ESL Ballpark in 2027,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason.
Banana Ball, created by the Savannah Bananas, is a form of baseball and entertainment with specific rules that include a two-hour time limit, a point awarded for winning each inning, no walks, and an out recorded whenever a fan cleanly catches a foul ball. Games also feature choreographed celebrations, trick plays, and fan participation. Although started by the Bananas, the league has expanded to six traveling teams, each with a different theme. Rochester will see the Texas Tailgaters – a Texas-inspired squad with country music and line dancing routines – and the Loco Beach Coconuts – who have a tropical theme.
Fans looking to attend must enter a special ticket lottery by 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2026 for a chance to have an opportunity to purchase tickets. A random drawing will determine which fans will have access, with ticket prices beginning at $35 with Meet and Greet tickets starting at $125.
This isn’t the only traveling baseball team visiting Rochester next season: Cosmic Baseball, a glow-in-the-dark baseball experience, will visit ESL Ballpark in 2027 as well, although exact dates have yet to be announced.
As for the Red Wings themselves, the defending International League champions return to play on March 26, 2027 against the Syracuse Mets at ESL Ballpark. It will be the earliest home opener in franchise history and events are planned to pay tribute to 150 years of professional baseball in Rochester, Rochester Community Baseball’s 70th anniversary, and the 30th season at ESL Ballpark.
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