Banana Ball teams arrive ahead of weekend games at Keesler Federal Park
Banana Ball is coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the teams are already here!
The Firefighters and the Loco Beach Coconuts arrived at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Thursday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s games at Keesler Federal Park.
The Mississippi Gulf Coast rolled out the welcome mat for Banana Ball. Fans and community members gathered at Gulfport Biloxi International Airport for a welcome gate party, waiting to greet two of the teams set to take the field this weekend.
Their arrival marks the start of a busy weekend of Banana Ball action, bringing the unique, fast-paced version of baseball to Keesler Federal Park. Outfielder Noah Bridges said, “I’ve been doing this for five years and when I left this morning, I was kind of bummed because this is our last trip of the year but then I’m coming up the terminal and we got yellow baseballs posted up everywhere and I come around the corner and it’s a whole welcome committee with gifts and yea man that’s pretty special.”
For the Coastal Mississippi Tourism team, events like this are about more than just what happens on the field.
The goal is to give visitors an experience that starts the moment they arrive and show off what the Mississippi Gulf Coast has to offer. Coastal Mississippi Director of Communications and Engagement Pattye Meagher said, “This weekend is going to have a tremendous economic impact on our region because not only are we going to have local folks who are coming out to Keesler Federal to enjoy the ball game but we’re also going to have people who are going to be coming here from other places and they are going to stay in hotels and eat in restaurants. We hope they are going to go out and enjoy all of the wonderful attractions we have in coastal Mississippi as well as our gorgeous, stunning beaches. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend and we just want everyone to have a great time.”
Gulfport Biloxi International Airport Director of Marketing Chaille Munn said, “Rumor has it that we are the first airport to do a welcome for the Banana Ball Association, so we are thrilled to show them some southern hospitality and greet them in coastal Mississippi. Gulfport-Biloxi is the gateway to the Coast and we are thrilled to welcome these teams to the Coast in such a fanatic way. We’ve had yellow balls all over the terminal for the baseball teams and balloon arches. So, we’re thrilled to welcome them here.”
The Firefighters and Loco Beach Coconuts will face off in Banana Ball action September 25 and 26 at Keesler Federal Park with fans expected to pack the stands for the unique baseball experience.
