SAVANNAH, Ga. (MWSN) — The Savannah Bananas debuted a newly installed AstroTurf Diamond Series field at Historic Grayson Stadium this season, marking a significant enhancement to their high-energy brand of baseball known as Banana Ball.
AstroTurf, the inventor of synthetic turf, completed the installation in time for the team’s spring events, giving players and coaches a surface tailored to their unconventional, entertainment-driven approach to the sport.
“There are clean hops, clean bounces, and they can do trick plays that they have never performed before,” said Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas. “This gives them an opportunity to really plus the game of Banana Ball.”
The collaboration between AstroTurf and the Bananas focused on delivering a surface that could withstand not only frequent games but also choreographed stunts, fan interactions, and social media spectacles that define the team’s entertainment-first mission.
The Diamond Series field, engineered specifically for baseball, provides consistent bounce, reliable drainage, and high durability—key for a team known for its rigorous schedule and performance-heavy events. Precision infield design and reinforced outfield turf are among the upgrades aimed at improving both safety and playability.
Bananas Head Coach Tyler Gillum described the upgrade as transformative. “This is a game-changer,” Gillum said about the new field surface his team is playing on. “Trick plays have gone through the roof. We have some of the craziest trick plays coming this season.”
The new surface significantly reduced time spent on field maintenance, allowing players and coaches to concentrate on performance and fan engagement. “Everything we do is about Fans First, so this AstroTurf fits in perfectly with our goals,” Gillum added.
AstroTurf’s rapid installation process was critical to getting the field ready in time. “What we were able to do with AstroTurf in a very short window and for them to be able to make it happen and produce at a very high level is really special,” said Cole. “They delivered for our players and for our fans.”
Aaron Klotz, AstroTurf’s director of baseball, said the project aligned with the company’s mission to support innovation in sports. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Savannah Bananas and be part of the Banana Ball experience,” Klotz said. “This team is redefining sports entertainment, and we’re proud our field technology can support that.”
As the Bananas continue their national tour and social media presence, the new turf is expected to support expanded programming and increased fan turnout without compromising field quality. The installation underscores AstroTurf’s ongoing commitment to performance and innovation in baseball at all levels.
Grayson Stadium’s upgrade positions the Savannah Bananas to deliver even more high-energy, fan-centered experiences throughout the year, setting a new standard for entertainment-based sports.
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