Savannah Bananas’ season delayed; 50% capacity allowed at home games

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The show will go on at Grayson Stadium.

“The Bananas will be back this summer and we will be playing in front of fans,” said team owner Jesse Cole.

The 2020 season for the Savannah Bananas has been delayed until July.

Team officials announced Wednesday that the season is now scheduled to begin on July 1 instead of May 28. Players and coaches will arrive one to two weeks prior to Opening Day. The new schedule is available now on the Bananas’ website.

The team will also put in place new restrictions to help patrons adhere to social distancing guidelines recommending during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If two or four people sit here, there will be some space. Then two or four more. Nobody will be sitting back to back. The beauty of some of the seats already in the stadium, there’s already row separation. So that helps us.”

Offering his stamp of approval Wednesday was Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. He says a Bananas season is something to offer hope to the city.

“Coronavirus will not be the end of Savannah," Mayor Johnson said. "It will not be the end of the Bananas. We will come back. And this is a way for us to come back.”

The Bananas will play 30 home games, with the last one scheduled on Sept. 3. At the home games, capacity will be limited to 50 percent. If social distancing guidelines are loosened over the summer, the capacity percentage could change.

Cole said he’s thrilled to offer some positive news, but adds the health and safety of players and fans will be the priority.

“If all the sudden it gets worse, we’re going to be ready to make changes. But I’m very comfortable at this point, so is the league and the mayor and the city officials, with a July 1 opening," Cole said.

At the games, groups of fans will be separated by at least 2-4 seats.

Discussions are still taking place on what changes will be needed with food and beverage services to maintain safety and to not affect service, according to team leaders.

The Bananas are currently in discussions with the City of Savannah to develop a plan to enhance cleaning and safety before, during and after games at Historic Grayson Stadium.

Watch the Savannah Bananas’ news conference below:

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