Savannah is well known for its cobblestone streets, beautiful squares, historic architecture, and incredible food. But once the sun begins to set, another side of the city comes alive. Whether you’re cheering for a hometown hockey team, experiencing the excitement of Banana Ball, catching a concert, or spending an afternoon on the ice, Savannah offers plenty of entertainment that adds something memorable to your visit.
If you’re looking for ways to mix sightseeing with a little local excitement, here are some of our favorite sports and entertainment experiences around Savannah.
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Experience Savannah’s Local Sports Teams
Savannah Bananas
There’s nothing quite like experiencing the Savannah Bananas in person. This Savannah-based baseball team is known for its wildly popular version of the game, called Banana Ball, which combines baseball with nonstop entertainment, dancing, music, crowd interaction, and surprises from the first pitch to the final inning. Grayson Stadium becomes one of the liveliest places in Savannah whenever the Bananas are home!
Tips for a Savannah Bananas Game
- Plan well in advance. Home games sell out quickly, and tickets are distributed through the team’s lottery system.
- Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere before the game begins.
- Stay until the very end. Some of the most memorable moments happen after the final inning!
Where to Do near Grayson Stadium
- Forsyth Park is only a short drive away and makes a wonderful place to stroll before heading to the stadium.
- Bull Street offers excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and local boutiques that are perfect for browsing and spending part of your afternoon.
Our Perfect Pairing
Spend the morning exploring Savannah’s beautiful Forsyth Park, then stroll past the Kessler Armstrong Estate and admire its stunning Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. For lunch, we’d highly recommend Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room if you’re able to grab a spot, as it’s first come, first served. Before heading to Grayson Stadium, make a stop at The Book Lady Bookstore on Liberty Street, a favorite local spot for book lovers. Then, settle in for an unforgettable evening cheering on the Savannah Bananas!
Savannah Ghost Pirates
If you’ve never watched professional hockey before, Savannah is a great place to start. The Savannah Ghost Pirates bring fast paced action, energetic fans, themed game nights, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment to Enmarket Arena throughout the season.
Even if you don’t know the rules of hockey, you’ll quickly find yourself caught up in the excitement. Before or after the game, hockey fans can also stop by the Ghost Pirates Locker downtown to browse official merchandise and souvenirs.
Tips for a Savannah Ghost Pirates Game
- Purchase parking before game day whenever possible. It saves time and makes arriving much easier.
- If you’re spending the day downtown, consider taking the event shuttle between the Civic Center area and Enmarket Arena instead of moving your vehicle.
- Arrive early enough to explore the arena, grab refreshments, and watch warmups before the puck drops.
Where to Eat Before a Savannah Ghost Pirates Game
- Crystal Beer Parlor has been welcoming guests for decades and is a favorite for burgers, seafood, and Southern comfort food before heading to the arena.
- Zunzi’s is a great choice before heading to the game if you’re craving bold, flavorful sandwiches, South African-inspired dishes, and a casual atmosphere that’s become a Savannah favorite.
Our Perfect Pairing
If we were planning your day, we’d start with an afternoon exploring Savannah on Gray Line Savannah’s Explore Savannah Tour or the Slavery to Freedom Tour with Gullah Geechee Truth Teller Sistah Patt. Then, enjoy a delicious Southern dinner at Vic’s on the River, spend some time exploring Broughton Street, and make your way to Enmarket Arena by event shuttle for an exciting evening of Ghost Pirates hockey!
Savannah Steel
The Savannah Steel continue to build excitement around professional women’s basketball in Coastal Georgia. Playing at Enmarket Arena, the team offers competitive basketball, an energetic game-day atmosphere, and a great opportunity to support women’s professional sports in Savannah.
Tips for a Savannah Steel Game
- Always check the team’s schedule before your trip so you can plan your sightseeing around game day.
- Arrive early to avoid traffic near the arena.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely spend time exploring downtown before or after the game
Our Perfect Pairing
Start your day with lunch on River Street at Boar’s Head & Grill Tavern, where you can enjoy a great lunch and their famous Savannah She Crab Soup. Afterward, take an afternoon trolley tour through Savannah’s historic neighborhoods before wrapping up the day cheering on the Savannah Steel.
Savannah Sports & Entertainment Venues
Enmarket Arena
Enmarket Arena has quickly become one of Savannah’s premier entertainment venues. In addition to serving as home for the Ghost Pirates and Savannah Steel, the arena hosts nationally touring concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, and special events throughout the year. If your visit happens to line up with a performance, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Before You Go to Enmarket Arena
- Purchase parking ahead of time whenever possible.
- Give yourself extra travel time before major concerts and sold out events.
- Review the arena’s bag policy before arriving.
Where to Eat Before an Enmarket Arena Event
- The Grey offers an unforgettable dining experience for visitors celebrating a special evening.
- Treylor Park is a fun, casual option with creative Southern-inspired favorites before heading to the arena.
Our Perfect Pairing
Spend your afternoon exploring Savannah’s Historic District by trolley or by foot, then enjoy dinner at The Grey for an unforgettable dining experience, especially if you’re celebrating a special evening. For a more casual option, stop by Treylor Park for creative Southern-inspired favorites before heading to Enmarket Arena for a concert or live performance.
VyStar Pavilion at Anchor Park
Located just outside Savannah in Port Wentworth, VyStar Pavilion at Anchor Park has quickly become a popular destination for outdoor concerts and community events. Its open-air setting creates a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music while experiencing another growing entertainment district in the Savannah area.
Before You Go to VyStar Pavilion
- Check the weather before heading out since concerts are outdoors.
- Arrive early for easier parking and shorter entrance lines.
- Bring a lightweight jacket if attending an evening performance during cooler months.
Our Perfect Pairing
Spend the afternoon exploring Savannah’s Historic District and discovering the city’s art and history. If you enjoy museums, we’d recommend the Telfair Museums, where one ticket includes seven days of unlimited access to the Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House, with student and military discounts available. Afterward, head to River Street for dinner and drinks at Poe’s Tavern, a great spot for burgers, before making your way to VyStar Pavilion for an evening of live music under the stars.
Ghost Pirates Ice Cove at Anchor Park
Ghost Pirates Ice Cove serves as the official practice facility for the Savannah Ghost Pirates while also welcoming the community for public skating, lessons, youth hockey, and special events. It’s especially fun for families traveling with children or hockey fans who want to experience something a little different during their Savannah visit.
Tips for Visiting Ghost Pirates Ice Cove
- Check the public skating schedule before visiting.
- Skate rentals are available if you don’t have your own equipment.
- Dress in layers since the rink stays cool year-round.
Our Perfect Pairing
Spend the morning skating at Ghost Pirates Ice Cove, then head into downtown Savannah for lunch and a few local favorites. Grab a bite at The Wok & grab a scoop at Leopold’s Ice Cream before spending the afternoon exploring Savannah’s beautiful historic squares!
Savannah offers much more than beautiful streets and historic landmarks. A hockey game, Banana Ball, live concert, or evening at the arena can become one of the highlights of your trip and give you another way to experience the city’s personality. While you’re planning your visit, let Gray Line Savannah help you discover everything the Hostess City has to offer. Explore our sightseeing tours and book your next Savannah adventure today.
FAQs About Sports & Entertainment in Savannah
Which Savannah sporting event is best for families?
The Savannah Bananas and Savannah Ghost Pirates are both excellent family experiences. The entertainment extends far beyond the game itself, making both events enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
How far in advance should I plan to attend a Savannah sporting event?
If the Savannah Bananas are at the top of your list, begin planning as early as possible since tickets are distributed through a lottery and home games routinely sell out. Ghost Pirates and Savannah Steel tickets are generally easier to secure, but checking schedules early allows you to build the rest of your trip around game day.
Can I sightsee in Savannah and attend a game or concert on the same day?
Absolutely. Many games and concerts begin in the evening, leaving plenty of time to explore Savannah’s museums, historic sites, restaurants, and trolley tours during the day before heading to your event.
Which Savannah sports or entertainment experience should I choose if I only have one free evening?
If tickets are available, the Savannah Bananas offer one of the most unique entertainment experiences anywhere. Otherwise, check the Ghost Pirates schedule or Enmarket Arena calendar to see what performances or games are taking place during your visit.
