Elevate with Robert Glazer Elevate Classics: How The Savannah Bananas Became A Global Sensation
Aug 14, 2025
Jesse Cole, the dynamic Founder of Fans First Entertainment and the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares insights into transforming the baseball experience. He discusses the Bananas’ rise from obscurity to global fame through innovative fan engagement strategies. Jesse highlights the emotional journey of chasing dreams, including memorable moments at Fenway Park. He emphasizes continuous innovation and the importance of adapting to feedback while creating an immersive experience for fans in their ambitious vision of 'Banana Land.'
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Fans Left Early — So He Changed The Game
- Fans were leaving early despite heavy entertainment, so Jesse rethought baseball's boring parts.
- He eliminated walks, bunts, and made foul-ball catches count as outs to speed and engage the game.
Study The Greats, Not Competitors
- The Bananas study entertainment legends, not other sports teams, to craft a remarkable fan experience.
- They obsess over every friction point and iterate relentlessly to improve the show.
Remove Friction Even If It Costs More
- Remove known friction points even if it costs you revenue or complexity.
- Build systems (like a no-fee ticket platform) that match the fan experience you want to deliver.
