The Savannah Bananas

The Ninth Inning – Winning with Fans First for Your Company

Cole emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo, especially when met with skepticism about new ideas. According to him, the very questioning of whether something will work is often a sign that it might, precisely because it deviates from the norm. Rather than conforming to traditional methods, the Savannah Bananas used criticism as…

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Latest

Fans First
Eighth Inning – Building an Idea Culture

Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas baseball team shares a compelling narrative on the transformative power of creativity in business. The core philosophy at the Savannah Bananas is the “fans first” experience, driven by an endless stream of innovative ideas—ideas that are not just theorized but executed with precision. Cole underscores the critical importance…

Read More
Fans First
Seventh Inning – Conquering Digital

According to Cole, the essence of the Savannah Bananas’ strategy lies in personalization. Whether it’s a tailored video greeting for new subscribers or a personal phone call to thank them, every touchpoint is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection. It’s this human element that sets their digital strategy apart. Cole draws inspiration from…

Read More
Fans First
Bonus Content – Customer Giveaways

In a recent discussion, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlighted the fundamental shift needed in promotional strategies to genuinely resonate with audiences. Moving beyond traditional promotional items like keychains and t-shirts, Cole advocates for a more personalized approach to make a real impact on customers. In essence, Jesse Cole’s message to marketers is…

Read More
Fans First
Bonus Content – Rethink Your Pricing Model

In a groundbreaking shift, Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas redefined what it means to attend a sports event. They introduced an all-inclusive pricing model that has since become a hallmark of their approach to fan service. This strategy was not just about changing how tickets were sold; it was about transforming the entire…

Read More
Fans First
Sixth Inning- What are the Stages Where Your Business Takes Place?

When you think of a baseball game, you might picture the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd as a home run sails over the outfield fence. But for the Savannah Bananas, the game is just one part of the spectacle. Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind this innovative team, shares how…

Read More
Fans First
Fifth Inning – Focus on the Customer

In a compelling narrative by Jesse Cole, the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team known for its unconventional approach, has declared advertising dead. Cole emphatically asserts that while advertising may attract customers, it is the fan experience that fosters lasting loyalty. In a bold move, the Savannah Bananas have eliminated all forms of advertising at…

Read More

Latest

cargo theft
Beyond Cargo: Protecting Drivers, Assets, and the Bottom Line with AI
December 6, 2024

In the first half of 2024, cargo theft in the United States surged by 49% compared to the same period in 2023, with an average loss per incident of $115,23, according to an August 2024 report by Overhaul. Freight hubs and urban centers like California and Texas remain hot spots, exposing long-standing gaps in supply…

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Stadium Security
From Gates to Game Time: Lessons in Proactive Stadium Security
December 6, 2024

Safety sells—and 69.3% of fans are buying in. According to the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, nearly three out of four eventgoers factor security into their decision to attend, and many are willing to pay extra for peace of mind. For those charged with event and stadium security, this isn’t just a…

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Perimeter Security
Beyond the Fence: Proactive Perimeter Security with Video Analytics
December 5, 2024

Your facility’s perimeter is not just a boundary—it’s the first line of defense against potential threats. If you manage security for a corporate headquarters, manufacturing site, transportation facility, or university campus, you have felt the pressure to get ahead of those looking to do harm. We talk with your colleagues every day and they live…

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AI in Physical Security
AI in Physical Security: Expert Success Stories Dispel Falsehoods
December 5, 2024

The fall of 2024 raises security concerns around events public and private. Increased foot traffic and high-profile events including an election make it harder to maintain a secure environment, especially in busy places like schools, universities, public gathering spaces/events, and healthcare facilities. Every day, security teams face the task of identifying and responding to threats…

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Latest Fans First

Fans First
The Ninth Inning – Winning with Fans First for Your Company
August 22, 2024

Cole emphasizes the importance of questioning the status quo, especially when met with skepticism about new ideas. According to him, the very questioning of whether something will work is often a sign that it might, precisely because it deviates from the norm. Rather than conforming to traditional methods, the Savannah Bananas used criticism as…

Read More
Eighth Inning – Building an Idea Culture

Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas baseball team shares a compelling narrative on the transformative power of creativity in business. The core philosophy at the Savannah Bananas is the “fans first” experience, driven by an endless stream of innovative ideas—ideas that are not just theorized but executed with precision. Cole underscores the critical importance…

Read More
Seventh Inning – Conquering Digital

According to Cole, the essence of the Savannah Bananas’ strategy lies in personalization. Whether it’s a tailored video greeting for new subscribers or a personal phone call to thank them, every touchpoint is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection. It’s this human element that sets their digital strategy apart. Cole draws inspiration from…

Read More
Bonus Content – Customer Giveaways

In a recent discussion, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlighted the fundamental shift needed in promotional strategies to genuinely resonate with audiences. Moving beyond traditional promotional items like keychains and t-shirts, Cole advocates for a more personalized approach to make a real impact on customers. In essence, Jesse Cole’s message to marketers is…

Read More
Fans First
Bonus Content – Rethink Your Pricing Model
July 25, 2024

In a groundbreaking shift, Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas redefined what it means to attend a sports event. They introduced an all-inclusive pricing model that has since become a hallmark of their approach to fan service. This strategy was not just about changing how tickets were sold; it was about transforming the entire…

Read More
Sixth Inning- What are the Stages Where Your Business Takes Place?

When you think of a baseball game, you might picture the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd as a home run sails over the outfield fence. But for the Savannah Bananas, the game is just one part of the spectacle. Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind this innovative team, shares how…

Read More
Fifth Inning – Focus on the Customer

In a compelling narrative by Jesse Cole, the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team known for its unconventional approach, has declared advertising dead. Cole emphatically asserts that while advertising may attract customers, it is the fan experience that fosters lasting loyalty. In a bold move, the Savannah Bananas have eliminated all forms of advertising at…

Read More
Fourth Inning – Be the ONLY

In a compelling dialogue centered on brand differentiation, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas underscored the pivotal shift from being merely better to becoming distinctly unique in one’s industry. He introduced an insightful framework called “ONLY,” which stands for Owning the industry’s problems, creating Noise, cultivating Love, and understanding your Why. Owning the Problems:…

Read More
employee engagement
Fans First
Hiring Fans First Employees
June 27, 2024

Jesse Cole, the visionary behind the Savannah Bananas, shared the innovative approach his company takes to ensure a captivating customer experience by first focusing on employee engagement. According to Cole, the journey starts from the very first interaction with potential employees. The hiring process at Savannah Bananas consists of three unique steps designed to…

Read More
Moving Forward with Fans First

In a compelling conversation on fostering innovation within corporate culture, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlights the importance of embracing change as a tool for continuous improvement. Cole underscores that change should not be seen as change for its own sake but as an essential part of striving to better serve customers and…

Read More
Build Your Own Media Channels

In the storied confines of Grayson Stadium, Jesse Cole, the frontman of the Savannah Bananas, unveils the cornerstone of their marketing success: transforming traditional sports advertising into a vibrant, self-sustaining media operation. The team’s forward-thinking approach not only entertains but captivates a global audience far exceeding the stadium’s seats. The off-season? That’s just a…

Read More
A Stage for Loyal Fans

In this captivating episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, share with us that in the competitive sports marketing landscape, understanding and enhancing the fan experience is crucial to prioritize fan satisfaction and engagement The key challenge posed to sports marketers and business leaders is to rethink their approach: stop considering patrons…

Read More

Latest Podcasts

Podcasts
Extra Innings with Corey Brandt of the San Francisco Giants AAA Affiliate
September 27, 2018

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows the Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On this episode, we chat with Corey Brandt, General Manager for Food & Beverage…

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Extra Innings with Chip Maxson of the AAA Affiliate for the San Francisco Giants

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows the Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On this episode, we chat with Chip Maxson, General Manager for the Sacramento River…

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Extra Innings with Joshua D’PenhaD’Souza of the AA Affiliate of the Texas Rangers

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows the Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On this episode, we chat with Josh D’PenhaD’Souza, who works in Sports Sales for…

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Listen: Extra Innings with Zach Brockman of the California League Affiliate for the Seattle Mariners

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows the Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On this episode, we chat with Zach Brockman, general manager of the Modesto Nuts,…

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Podcasts
Extra Innings: Live! With The Savannah Bananas Crew (August 4th, 1:30 PM ET)
August 3, 2018

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows the Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On this episode we’re joined by the front office crew of the Savannah Bananas! …

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Listen: Extra Innings with Hunter Horenstein of Chicago Cubs Affiliate, The Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Extra Innings gives you exclusive behind-the-scenes looks and commentary on MarketScale’s Welcome to the Show, a reality television series that follows Jesse Cole and his Savannah Bananas, the collegiate summer league baseball team that is changing the sport with their brand of Fan-First Entertainment. On today’s episode we’re joined by Hunter Horenstein, Director of Fan…

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Latest The Savannah Bananas - Welcome to the Show

Articles
Welcome to the Show: Episode 3
September 14, 2018

While the world is speeding up, baseball is slowing down, and the Savannah Bananas are determined to provide the best fan experience anywhere in the world. MarketScale followed the team during their week-long lead-up to Opening Day 2018 to see how the Bananas sellout games in a town where baseball has failed for decades. If you haven’t watched…

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Welcome to the Show: Episode 2

While the world is speeding up, baseball is slowing down, and the Savannah Bananas are determined to provide the best fan experience anywhere in the world. MarketScale followed the team during their weeklong lead-up to Opening Day 2018 to see how the Bananas sellout games in a town where baseball has failed for decades. If…

Read More
Welcome to the Show: Episode 1

Nothing says summer in America like our National Pastime. Terence Mann (played by James Earl Jones) may have said it best in the classic baseball movie Field of Dreams: “The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt,…

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The Official Savannah Bananas Trailer

Opening Day is a time of eternal optimism for baseball fans across the United States. A blank slate, a fresh start, and a new opportunity to make a lasting impression. For the Savannah Bananas, a summer collegiate team in the Coastal Plains League, every season means starting from scratch. A brand new roster, dozens of…

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Other The Savannah Bananas
Fourth Inning – Be the ONLY
July 4, 2024

In a compelling dialogue centered on brand differentiation, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas underscored the pivotal shift from being merely better to becoming distinctly unique in one’s industry. He introduced an insightful framework called “ONLY,” which stands for Owning the industry’s problems, creating Noise, cultivating Love, and understanding your Why. Owning the Problems:…

Read More
Hiring Fans First Employees
June 27, 2024

Jesse Cole, the visionary behind the Savannah Bananas, shared the innovative approach his company takes to ensure a captivating customer experience by first focusing on employee engagement. According to Cole, the journey starts from the very first interaction with potential employees. The hiring process at Savannah Bananas consists of three unique steps designed to…

Read More
Moving Forward with Fans First
June 20, 2024

In a compelling conversation on fostering innovation within corporate culture, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas highlights the importance of embracing change as a tool for continuous improvement. Cole underscores that change should not be seen as change for its own sake but as an essential part of striving to better serve customers and…

Read More
Build Your Own Media Channels
June 13, 2024

In the storied confines of Grayson Stadium, Jesse Cole, the frontman of the Savannah Bananas, unveils the cornerstone of their marketing success: transforming traditional sports advertising into a vibrant, self-sustaining media operation. The team’s forward-thinking approach not only entertains but captivates a global audience far exceeding the stadium’s seats. The off-season? That’s just a…

Read More
A Stage for Loyal Fans
June 6, 2024

In this captivating episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, share with us that in the competitive sports marketing landscape, understanding and enhancing the fan experience is crucial to prioritize fan satisfaction and engagement The key challenge posed to sports marketers and business leaders is to rethink their approach: stop considering patrons…

Read More
Your Front Door is a Stage
May 30, 2024

In his recounting of experiences at the stadium, Jesse Cole reveals a deep-seated passion for engaging with fans and the impactful memories created at the end of each game. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the stadium becomes a place where joy is palpable as fans of all ages and players alike celebrate together, demonstrating the…

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Prop Room
May 23, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the vibrant world of marketing, creativity knows no bounds—a philosophy embodied by a prop room and studio teeming with eclectic costumes and outlandish ideas. This creative hub, seemingly disconnected from conventional themes like bananas,…

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The Office as a Stage
May 16, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the heart of a once-abandoned storage building, a remarkable transformation unfolded, birthing what is now a vibrant office space brimming with life and creativity. The journey began in 2015 when a small, determined team—including…

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Perfect Fan Experience
May 9, 2024

In this episode of the Fans First series, Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas, shares with us that in the competitive world of sports entertainment, delivering an exceptional customer experience is crucial, even more so when faced with uncontrollable challenges like inclement weather. The Savannah ballpark’s approach to customer service exemplifies how businesses can…

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