CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — April 2, 2026 — The Savannah Bananas will bring an unprecedented level of excitement and visitation to Chapel Hill on April 11–12, as two sold-out baseball games come to Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina over the two-day span. This milestone weekend represents one of the largest ticketed events ever hosted in the community. The Savannah Bananas will take on the Texas Tailgaters.

While hotel demand is being absorbed across Orange, Durham, and Wake counties, Chapel Hill will serve as the central hub for this high-impact weekend. Visitors traveling for the Bananas will dine, shop, and explore throughout Orange County, while also contributing to broader regional visitation and spending.

“This is a landmark weekend for Orange County,” said D.R. Bryan, Chair of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau. “Welcoming 50,000 fans each day—and more than 100,000 guests over the course of the weekend—to Kenan Stadium is something our community has never experienced at this scale. While visitors are staying across the Triangle, Chapel Hill is at the center of it all—hosting the event, welcoming the energy, and benefiting from increased visibility and visitor activity.

Visitors to downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro will see yellow banners on light poles and be welcomed with posters, pennants, buttons, and rack cards with Bananas Ball Fan specials at select businesses. There will be designated ambassadors dressed in yellow aprons in both downtowns helping visitors. Cut-outs of the Savannah Bananas mascot “Split” and Chapel Hill Town produced itinerary brochures with the specials, community events and parking details will welcome guests to local hotels.

The Chapel Hill/Orange County Welcome Center at 308 West Franklin Street will be open extended hours on April 11 from 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday April 12 from 9 am – noon. Drop by and take a photo at a Banana selfie station.

The Savannah Bananas, known for their fast-paced and highly entertaining style of baseball, have developed a national following, with games consistently selling out across the country. Their appearance in Chapel Hill underscores the region’s growing appeal as a host for large-scale, nationally recognized events. 

Visitors can find more information about local weekend activities at https://www.visitchapelhill.org/bananas-take-over-chapel-hill/.

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About the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
The Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau (CHOCVB) is the official accredited destination marketing organization for Chapel Hill and Orange County. The Bureau works to attract visitors, meetings, and events that drive economic impact, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents. It is a part of Orange County NC Government Economic Development. VisitChapelHill.org.

Header Photo is Kenan Stadium on the campus of the University of North Carolina by UNC Athletic Communications.  The Kenan Stadium field will be converted into a baseball field for the Savannah Bananas vs the Texas Tailgaters, April 11-12, 2026.

For other images click here. 




Media Contact
Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau
308 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Patty Griffin, Communications Director
Email: pgriffin@visitchapelhill.org
Phone: (919) 245-4321

Laurie Paolicelli, 
Executive Director
Email: lpaolicelli@visitchapelhill.org
Phone (919) 245-4322