Panthers Join Savannah Bananas for Historic Weekend in Charlotte
Panthers Join Savannah Bananas for Historic Weekend in Charlotte originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
What happens when you mix the Carolina Panthers' brightest stars with baseball's most viral circus act? You break records, create memories, and remind Charlotte why it loves sports.
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The Savannah Bananas brought their sold-out Banana Ball World Tour to Bank of America Stadium this past weekend, and the show was nothing short of legendary. With 148,000 fans in attendance over two nights, setting a new franchise record, but what really made the event unforgettable was the energy injected by Panthers royalty both past and present.
All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly, tight end Greg Olsen, and running back Jonathan Stewart, key figures from the Panthers' unforgettable 2015 Super Bowl run were front and center Friday night. Kuechly, known for his meticulous preparation on the football field, threw out the first pitch after a self-imposed bullpen session that spanned hours. Stewart dashed home in classic J-Stew style, crashing through the dugout like he was breaking tackles at the goal line.
Meanwhile, Olsen suited up in full Bananas gear and took the field with TikTok star Jackson Olsen. This was a meeting of gridiron and social media icons that had fans snapping photos and screaming double takes.
The Savannah Bananas celebrate a home run hit by Jackson Olsen.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
On Saturday, current Panthers players joined the fray. Quarterback Andy Dalton traded the pocket for 'undodgeball,' pelting foam footballs in an interactive segment that had fans in stitches. Wide receiver Adam Thielen, who led the team in receiving yards last season, stepped up to home plate and broke into his signature Griddy dance, much to the delight of the crowd.
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'This city's got passion,' Dalton said. 'To have 74,000 show up back-to-back nights, it's a reminder that Charlotte is a sports town. Hopefully, that translates to our season too.'
It wasn't just about fun, it was also personal. Charlotte native and Bananas player Eric Jones Jr. called it a career highlight, "Loved the Panthers my whole life, cried when they lost the Super Bowl in '04 and then in '15 I was in college having the time of my life watching all those playoff games with my buddies and it was just special. I hope that we get to play in Charlotte every year. I think it's the perfect spot. The fans are really hungry for it here…one, we need a major league team, but two, we need a Banana ball team right here."
Savannah Bananas first baseman Eric Jones Jr.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Between choreographed dances, glowing light shows, and fireworks, the Bananas' brand of baseball stole the spotlight, but it was the Panthers' cameos that added soul to the spectacle. From record-setting attendance to nostalgic reunions, this weekend proved one thing loud and clear: Charlotte doesn't just watch sports, it lives them.
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Don't blink, Panthers fans. This city's just warming up.
Related: Everything to Know Inside the Panthers' NFL Draft Dilemma
Related: Can Nic Scourton Become What Brian Burns Was for the Panthers?
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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