America’s past time. Forever part of Durham’s culture and identify. Baseball has long been a part of our identity. In 1902, the Durham Tobacconists first took the field. From the 1920s to 1963, Durham had three Negro League teams compete, including most notably the Durham Black Sox. In 1988, the Academy Award nominated Kevin Costner film Bull Durham helped put the Durham Bulls in the national spotlight. And Durham has never looked back. Today, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park is one of Durham’s biggest visitor attractions and local favorites. You can’t just use the slogan “World Famous for Fun” like the Bulls do without walking the walk, right? Besides, you know, winning every championship there is to win.  

The Greatest Show in Sports 

On April 12-14, 2024, the Savannah Bananas will return to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for the second time to take on the Party Animals. The three game series is a part of their nationwide Banana Ball World Tour, playing in Minor League and Major League Stadiums across the country.  

Bananas games, referred to as Banana Ball, are designed to provide fans with a fast paced, high-octane and entertainment focused experience. From choreographed dance routines to a fan catching a foul ball counting as an out, Banana Ball is designed for baseball and non-baseball fans alike. The Durham Sports Commission is proud to sponsor this electrifying weekend of baseball. 

Learn more about the Savannah Bananas and Banana Ball here. 

Professional Baseball in Durham 

Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP), named by USA Today as a top 10 minor league ballpark in the country, is home to the Durham Bulls Triple-A team.  

The Bulls are one of the consistently top teams throughout the minor leagues. They have won the Triple-A National Championship four times since 2009 and have won the International League title six times since 2009. Bulls games are also sure to be packed with future MLB stars. Check out this list of former Bulls in the MLB! DBAP also hosted the 2014 Triple-A All Star Game and Home Run Derby, bringing in a grand total of over 25,000 people to the ballpark for the festivities.  

Interested in coming to a Bulls game? Check out their game and promotion schedule here. And make sure to check out this Discover Durham blog on how to make the most of your day at the ballpark. 

ACC Baseball Championship 

DBAP with ACC Baseball sign in front

Durham has played host to the ACC Baseball Championship 13 times, which is more than any other location. Most recently, the Championship was held at the DBAP in 2023 and will return to Durham in 2025, 2027 and 2029. The Durham Sports Commission is proud to have worked with the Bulls over the years on bids to bring more baseball to Durham and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.  

Durham also set the record for the highest attended ACC game with a single-game attendance of 11,329 back in 2013. Durham’s central location to the Atlantic Coast Conference schools allows for fans to pack the DBAP for exhilarating championship baseball.  

Downtown Durham 

No matter whether its the Bulls, the Bananas or ACC Baseball, downtown Durham is always buzzing on game day. Whether you’re coming into Durham from out of town or a Durham resident coming into Downtown for one of the games, we have you covered with everything you need to know for the weekend.  

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park is conveniently located in the American Tobacco District of Downtown Durham. And while the concession options at DBAP aren’t just your ordinary stadium options, there is plenty to explore around the ballpark.  

The American Tobacco District is full of history, world-class entertainment and a rapidly growing dining-scene. Make sure to check out local favorites like Parker & Otis for gourmet eats and local gifts, Boricua Soul for a delicious fusion of Caribbean and Southern flavors or Press Coffee, Crepes and Cocktails for a pregame drink. Make sure to stop by the Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, a sports bar with an expansive menu and an outdoor patio that overlooks the ballpark.  

DBAP is also only about a half mile from the Durham City Center. If you’re going to the games Friday or Saturday, make sure to stop by the Visitor Info Center to help give you recommendations for how to spend your time in Durham.  

From award-winning breweries and restaurants to cocktail bars, coffee shops and museums, there is something for everyone and endless places to try in Durham’s City Center all weekend. Those who are more entertainment fans than baseball fans, for example, might enjoy seeing the sites of Bull Durham, the cult classic, best sports movie of all time that launched the careers of Kevin Costner, Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. Follow this tour from Visit North Carolina to see the Historic Durham Athletic Park, pool halls and more across downtown. 

Historic Durham Athletic Park exterior

Check out Discover Durham’s Ultimate Downtown Durham Guide for more information. 

For help navigating parking on game day, check out this Durham Parking Guide.  

Coming in from out of town? Stay at one of our outstanding hotels and inns.