Meet Banana Ball’s Firefighters and Party Animals in Billings for Free

I'll admit it, I was a little bummed when I didn't get picked in the Banana Ball lottery. Actually... we didn't. My husband and I both put our names in, hoping one of us would get lucky and score tickets to see the Firefighters take on the Party Animals during the Banana Ball World Series.

No dice.

The Firefighters and Party Animals are bringing Banana Ball to Dehler Park in Billings for a three game series August 20 through 22, but tickets aren't sold the traditional way. Instead, fans had to enter a lottery several months ago for the chance to buy them. That's right, the lottery doesn't even guarantee you tickets; it only gives you the opportunity to purchase them if your name is drawn. Banana Ball has become so incredibly popular that holding a lottery is the fairest way to give fans across the country an equal shot at seeing a game.

What Is Banana Ball?

If you're wondering why so many people are willing to enter a lottery just for the chance to buy tickets, the answer is pretty simple. Banana Ball isn't your typical baseball game.

Think of it as baseball mixed with a concert and a comedy show, with a little organized chaos thrown in.

The Savannah Bananas created the fast paced version of the game to make baseball more entertaining. Games feature dancing players, choreographed celebrations, fan interaction, trick plays, music between nearly every pitch, and a long list of quirky rules designed to keep the action moving. There are no bunts, no stepping out of the batter's box, and fans can even record an out by catching a foul ball.

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The result is a baseball experience that's just as much about putting on a show as it is about winning the game. Even people who don't consider themselves baseball fans often walk away saying they can't wait to go again.

I grew up around baseball. When I say baseball was part of my childhood, I mean my entire summers were spent at the ballpark watching my grandpa, my uncle, and my brothers play. Ironically, I've never been someone who enjoys sitting in the blazing hot summer sun for hours. But for Banana Ball? I'd happily sweat through every inning because it looks like as much of a show as it is a baseball game.

One day, I hope my husband, my son, and I get to experience it together.

Banana Ball Meet and Greet at Billings SCHEELS Date and Time

Even though we won't be making it to the games this year, this announcement is absolutely the next best thing.

Players from the Firefighters and Party Animals are coming to Billings SCHEELS for a free meet and greet on Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The line officially opens at 6 p.m., and the event will take place on the first floor next to the bike shop. Fans will have the chance to meet players, snap photos, and gear up with Banana Ball merchandise during the event.

How to Get a Wristband for the Billings Banana Ball Meet and Greet

If you're planning to go, you'll want to get a wristband ahead of time. Only 150 wristbands will be available, and they're expected to disappear quickly.

Wristbands will be handed out on a first come, first served basis on Monday, Aug. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., or until they're gone. You'll find the distribution area in front of the Ferris wheel inside Billings SCHEELS.

There's a limit of one wristband per person, with a maximum of four per family. Those wristbands guarantee admission to the meet and greet. Anyone without one will only be admitted if space is still available after wristband holders have entered.

One thing to keep in mind: you'll need the physical wristband on you to get in. A photo of it on your phone won't work, and if you lose it, it won't be replaced, so hang onto it once it's on your wrist.

Meeting the Players Is a Pretty Great Consolation Prize

With how hard it is to land Banana Ball tickets, I'd call getting to meet the players a pretty great consolation prize. Sure, it's not the same as watching them dance on the field, backflip over home plate, or turn a baseball game into a concert, but shaking hands with the guys who pull off those moves is its own kind of thrill.

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Billings gets to be part of the Banana Ball World Series, and now we get a shot at meeting the players who make it such a show. Hopefully this won't be the last time the Firefighters and Party Animals come to town, because I'd love another shot at crossing this one off my bucket list.