On Tuesday night, 5,000 fans were a part of history when the Wilson Warbirds beat the Hill City Howlers 7-5 in their inaugural game at Wilson Ballpark.

"I just could not foresee them putting a stadium this nice in such a small space," said lifelong Wilson resident Allan Overton.

The Wilson Warbirds, formerly known as the Carolina Mudcats, were located in Zebulon. The team rebranded and relocated to a brand new, $64 million stadium in Wilson.

Six-time MLB All-Star Prince Fielder throws out the first pitch at Wilson Ballpark to his son, Jadyn, who is an infielder on the Warbirds. pic.twitter.com/TUwoCBEGIH

— Kate Rogerson (@KateRogersonTV) April 14, 2026

Dianna and Gene Mallozzi own Geno's Gelato, a small business in Wilson. They say it's been amazing to watch the commitment from the city to help transform downtown.

"We moved here when this was basically just empty land," said Dianna Mallozzi. "We were kind of thinking about what would go well here. Maybe a park? Maybe something like that, but this is better."

There's something for everyone at a Warbirds game.

Hellllllooooo Wilson Stadium! Pro baseball is back in Wilson for the first time in 53 years. The Warbirds begins a six-game series vs. the Hill City Howlers tonight.@ABC11_WTVDpic.twitter.com/1PTAIajC5F

— Kate Rogerson (@KateRogersonTV) April 14, 2026

"It's definitely a calendar event," said Gene Mallozzi. "We're lucky to be here."

Concessions, merchandise, outdoor hospitality patios, and a playground in the outfield make the fan experience extend beyond the actual baseball game.

A look inside the new ballpark in Wilson, home of the Warbirds. @ABC11_WTVDpic.twitter.com/KhhT8gIqEe

— ABC11Charlie Mickens (@GameDayCharlie) April 14, 2026

Six-year-old Griffin Hayes can't wait to attend another Warbirds game.

"It was cool," he said.

The Warbirds are now 4-6 on the season. Their series vs. the Howlers will run through Sunday.

Download the ABC11 News app

Banana Ball fever has officially hit Chapel Hill, with yellow banners and bright posters taking over downtown.

This weekend, the Savannah Bananas roll into town, bringing their wildly popular brand of baseball to Kenan Stadium for two sold-out games.

"What's better than Chapel Hill?" Andrea Llewellyn said after flying in from Florida to watch the Bananas take on the Texas Tailgaters at Kenan Stadium.

The Bananas will take on the Texas Tailgaters on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With 50,000 fans expected each day, the games mark one of the largest ticketed events ever hosted in the community, according to a news release.

"Every part of the game is a party," Llewellyn said. "It's so fun. They're really fan-engaged. Fans are part of the game."

Record crowds are expected throughout the weekend. Visitors are expected to fill local restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout the weekend, delivering a big boost to Orange County and the region as a whole.

From out-of-state visitors to Tar Heels swapping Carolina Blue for banana yellow, nearly 30 businesses in Chapel Hill and Carrboro are rolling out themed specials to welcome the surge of fans.

"We've gone bananas," said Scott Maitland, owner of Top of the Hill.

Even for non-baseball fans, Banana Ball is hard to ignore. Supporters say the entertainment is what makes it unforgettable.

Download the ABC11 News app

"Them being on stilts and pitching, I thought that was pretty funny," said Carter, 13.

"It's amazing just getting to see the stadium, the atmosphere," Jaden Hanspard added. "Hearing them on their trumpet, seeing them warm up."

Fans can even spot cut-outs of the Bananas' beloved mascot, Split.

Known nationwide for their fast-paced games and over-the-top entertainment, the Savannah Bananas have built a massive fan base, selling out stadiums wherever they go. According to a news release, their stop in Chapel Hill is another sign of the region's growing reputation as a go-to destination for large-scale, headline-making events.

"This is a landmark weekend for Orange County," said D.R. Bryan, Chair of the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau. "Welcoming 50,000 fans each day and more than 100,000 guests over the course of the weekend to Kenan Stadium is something our community has never experienced at this scale."

With big crowds, officials are urging fans to plan for parking. On-campus lots are $40, with additional shuttle options and town parking available through an app.

"We have a lot of parking options," said Sarah Potter, business vitality manager. "Many of them can be prepaid so you can have a plan in place."

Officials expect the weekend to generate millions in revenue and say they're fully prepared, including for emergency response.