State College Spikes

The stadium sells «Jumbo» hot dogs yet they are clearly normal size. Why? So disappointed.

Don’t eat grill chicken sandwich at game. Got food poison on Friday July 3 rd after eating sandwich. They appear to be rushed in preparing food and not cooking properly.

The best thing about State College in the summer, bar none! Spikes games are great– for next to nothing, you can get a great seat and watch some good baseball. I wish for the players’ sake, that more people would show up for games. It’s a privilege to have the chance to see diamonds in the rough play here and then head up and out.
But even if you’re not a hardcore baseball fan, you’ll still have a good time– the park is so pretty, the view out over the valley is lovely, the food’s perfect ball park fare, and there’re plenty of mascot (and other) shenanigans to enjoy. GO!

I remember when the press announced State College was getting a minor league team. The citizens all voted for a name and of course we picked a deer for our mascot –_–
Sometimes, I feel a bit bad for these players. Is it embarrassing? People rarely come for the games here… it’s mostly a huge publicity stunt because every inning has some promotion for a local business.
Ranting aside, Spikes games are great for every age. There is something for everyone and the tickets are super cheap.
Food is expensive but pretty good and they have a decent beer selection.
And who on earth picked the name for the Nookie Monster???

Took in a game while in town for a conference. Best night, $ 12 for seats five rows behind home plate! Food was good and prices were reasonable. My friend and I had a great time!

Ahhh… The wonder of minor league baseball. Beer, ballpark food, peanuts, crackerjacks, and crazy promotions.
If you have been to a modern minor league game, you are familiar with the antics. Mascot races, goofy music and sounds, and family friendly entertainment.
Well, the Spikes are no different. What makes it different are the majestic views of Mount Nittany. The setting near one of the nicest settings in all of academia. Oh, and it is right next to that battleship of a stadium named after governor Beaver.
That’s right. This sits near the hub of all that is Penn State University athletics. But the Spikes are separate from the university.
They are true short season ball. They do it right, too.
They are currently a St. Louis Cards affiliate. Formerly with the Pirates.
Even given that, they bring in crowds around 3k on the weekends. That may not seem like much. But during their season, Penn State students are home for the Summer. So their crowds are drawn solely from the community. State College, minus students, is a fairly small town. So these are great numbers. Especially it short season ball.
Now, about the park. It is modern, has plenty of vendors, has spacious walkways, and lots of table behind the seats for eating.
The restrooms are conveniently located and alway clean. The park itself is clean. There is a kids activity area with bounce house. The seating is accommodating to most people of any size. There is ample parking in the Bryce Jordan Center lot across the street.
The vending is typical. But they occasionally have specials that are decent. We landed on 99 cent wing night and got some of them. They were tasty.
Their beer selections are mostly Bud products. But they also have regional favorite Yuengling. Otto’s has a stand. They carry more exotic choices.
There is a nice gift shop locate near the entrance. The park typically has some deal going on in there.
The Spikes are very family friendly. The mascots greet and do well with the kids. ‘Ike the Spike’ has been known to dance, high five, hug, joke with, and squirt water with my kids. Truly a super mascot.
The promotions are great but typical of these parks. They do a Star Wars night. They even will typically bring in a celeb. This year they will have ‘Mountain Man’ from Duck Dynasty.
So I recommend a visit to see the Spikes. Lots of fun there. And… Oh yeah… Baseball.

Small town stadium, BIG TIME FUN!
Everything you want in a Fenway Park or Dodgers Stadium, but cheaper and more interactive.
This park is still almost brand new with everything from food, beer, special snacks only found at this stadium (Taco Bags), and lots and lots of family fun! Now granted it isn’t quite as fun as going to see Big Poppy slug a home run or Jeter flipping a double play, but still, who likes those teams anyway!
I have been here about 6 times, and always enjoy myself with family and friends, will continue to come back for sure! GO PIRATES!!!

Oh, the Spikes. Who really needs major-​league prices and the long trek to games when you can chillax within ample walking distance to a park just outside town? Besides, the beer’s slightly cheaper and you won’t miss three innings just to get a snack. Prices are reasonable but they have some really good deals each night of the week. I know Sundays is 3−2−1 night — with a college ID you get a $ 3 ticket, $ 2 beverage and $ 1 hot dog. Their beer’s a little pricey ($ 5-​$ 6, depending on what kind you get) but cheaper than most ballparks (there’s a beer night discount, too — check the website).
The «Nookie monster» is bizarre and you’ll probably at some point make it onto the jumbo-​tron screen if you make even the slightest movement between innings. You can also laugh to yourself at the ratio of senior citizens to hip-​hop music played throughout the games… it almost makes me uncomfortable.
Sundays have fireworks and they are actually better then the 4^th of July fireworks I grew up with in NJ to be honest. All around, a Spikes game would be a nice date night for someone looking to take a sister out for something OTHER THAN the obligatory dinner & movies. Walk there, buy her a dog & a beer & some peanuts, then stop by the Creamery on the way home and get her a cone. And if she complains this is too much food for one night, dump her immediately.
Anyway, it’s a fun way to spend a summer or fall afternoon, especially for families.

We had a great time at the Spikes game. There is probably no better deal anywhere in baseball than the Spikes’ buck night. Tickets are only $ 1 for the RF bleachers and the night we were there, the Spikes put on a good fireworks show too.
The Spikes share their stadium with the Penn State baseball team, and the tie in between the professional team and the college is nice with a few Penn State banners placed around the park. This partnership probably works out well for the Nittany Lions as they can share costs and play on in a nicely equipped minor league stadium.
The Spikes did a nice job with promotions the night we were there, without going over the top like other minor league teams feel compelled to do. Mascots, Ike the Spike and the Nookie Monster, roam the park and entertain the kids as well as the adults. The Nookie Monster got a few drity looks from the Hudson Valley centerfielder with his act of popping out of the outfield wall to dance in celebration of the Spikes scoring. There are a few between innings contests, but nothing too wild. The mountains beyond the outfield fence make for a nice backdrop. I’d recommend a Spikes game to anyone.