Image source: DAVID YEAZELL | AP
FSU football has struggled to deliver consistent results under head coach Mike Norvell, and the pressure is growing both on and off the field. Norvell holds a 38–34 record, while the FSU program continues to carry his $5.4 million annual salary and an NIL budget that exceeds $16 million without the expected payoff.
Those costs look even bigger when compared with the athletic department’s financial situation. FSU is dealing with major debt, and school officials are now searching for creative ways to generate revenue during the offseason. One idea is to copy a strategy that recently worked for rival Clemson.
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According to reports, FSU is preparing to host the viral Banana Ball event at Doak Campbell Stadium during the 2026 season. The Savannah Bananas’ national tour will open with games at Dick Howser Stadium on February 26 and 27 before moving to Doak Campbell Stadium for a weekend finale on February 28.
FSU athletic director Michael Alford said the program is excited about the opportunity. He noted that the event will be the first non-football showcase in the newly renovated stadium and called it a family-friendly attraction for both the school and the city of Tallahassee.
The Savannah Bananas have become a national sensation. Often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, the team plays a fast-paced version of baseball with unusual rules, dance routines, and fan-focused entertainment.
Their popularity has exploded online as well. The Bananas’ YouTube channel has more than 2.4 million subscribers, and the team streams games for free, helping them build a large national following.
FSU hopes to match Clemson’s success with a similar event. In 2025, Clemson hosted a Banana Ball game under a revenue-sharing arrangement, covering operational costs while keeping income from alcohol sales and luxury suites. That game drew more than 81,000 fans and reportedly produced about $250,000 in profit.
FSU plans a similar model at its 67,277-seat stadium. If the February 28 event meets expectations, the school could host more Banana Ball games in the future to create an additional revenue stream.
The financial pressure on FSU remains significant. The university’s 2025 financial report showed total institutional debt at $617 million, a $200 million increase in just one year.
Much of that debt comes from $265 million in renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium and a new $138 million football operations center. At the same time, total athletic spending reached $208.2 million in 2025.
Recent on-field struggles have also hurt donations, ticket sales, and booster support. For FSU, hosting Banana Ball is not just a fun event—it may be a necessary move to bring in much-needed cash.
FAQ:
Why is FSU hosting the Savannah Bananas in 2026?
FSU is hosting the Savannah Bananas as part of its effort to generate additional revenue during the offseason. With rising debt and increased spending, the athletic department is looking for creative financial opportunities beyond football.
When will the Savannah Bananas play at FSU?
The Bananas will begin their 2026 World Tour with games at Dick Howser Stadium on February 26 and 27. The weekend finale will take place at Doak Campbell Stadium on February 28.
How much debt does FSU currently have?
According to the 2025 financial report, Florida State’s total institutional debt stands at $617 million. The athletic department has seen a sharp increase in debt, partly due to stadium renovations and new facility construction.
How did Clemson profit from hosting Banana Ball?
In 2025, Clemson hosted the Savannah Bananas under a revenue-sharing model. Despite covering operational costs, Clemson reportedly made around $250,000 in profit from alcohol sales and luxury suite revenue, with over 81,000 fans attending.
What is Banana Ball?
Banana Ball is an entertainment-focused version of baseball created by the Savannah Bananas. The format includes unique rules, choreographed performances, and fan interaction, making it one of the fastest-growing sports entertainment events in America.
How much did FSU spend on stadium renovations?
Florida State Seminoles football invested approximately $265 million in renovations to Doak Campbell Stadium. The school also spent $138 million on a new football operations center.
What is Mike Norvell’s record at Florida State Seminoles football?
Head coach Mike Norvell currently holds a 38–34 record at Florida State. The program is also managing his $5.4 million annual salary along with an NIL budget exceeding $16 million.
Could FSU host more Banana Ball games in the future?
If the 2026 event generates strong revenue, Florida State Seminoles football may consider hosting additional Banana Ball games at Doak Campbell Stadium as part of its long-term financial strategy.
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