Banana ball is coming to Kinnick Stadium next summer

The legendary Kinnick Stadium has been the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes football program since October 5, 1929.

Kinnick was originally built for nearly $500,000, and held 53,000 people. Over the years, Kinnick has seen numerous upgrades, including seats to the south end zone in 1956, more seating being added in 1983. Three other expansion projects have occurred since then, with the capacity now at 69, 250.

Not only has Kinnick hosted hundreds of football games over the years, but has also played host to other competitions.

On November 14, 2015, Kinnick played host to the "Grapple on the Gridiron," a wrestling match between No. 2 Iowa and No.9 Oklahoma State.

The Hawkeyes and Cowboys wrestled outside in 53-degree weather in front of 42,287 fans as two of the top programs grappled at Kinnick.

Another record-setting event took place in 2023 when one of the end zones was transformed into a basketball court to host Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Women's Basketball team.

Iowa crushed DePaul 94-72 during the "Crossover at Kinnick" on October 15, 2023, in front of 55,646 fans, a record crowd for a women's college basketball game.

Kinnick will be transformed once again as one of the hottest leagues in sports entertainment makes their way to Iowa City next July.

As a part of their summer tour, the Savannah Bananas are bringing "banana ball" to Iowa City.

Banana ball first started in Georgia in 2015 as a way to make baseball more entertaining and to revive historic Grayson Stadium.

It wasn't easy in the first season because people were unsure about the team, but after changing their name to the Bananas, the franchise took off and has sold out every game since.

That is over 200 games and counting.

The unique brand of baseball, including choreographed dance routines, will make a pit stop in Iowa City as Iowans celebrate Independence Day with the Savannah Bananas.