Bobblehead giveaways honoring some Penn State greats, a variety of theme nights and a slate of fireworks shows are among the special events on tap for the State College Spikes’ 2022 season at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
Two-time NCAA champion Penn State wrestler Roman Bravo-Young and Penn State football legend Michael Mauti will be featured in bobblehead giveaways this summer. They join Nittany Lion football trailblazer Wally Triplett, whose bobblehead was previously announced.
Bobblehead giveaways (first 1,000 fans)
• Wally Triplett: Friday, July 29 vs. Mahoning Valley (6:35 p.m.)
• Roman Bravo-Young: Saturday, Aug. 27 vs. Williamsport (6:35 p.m.). Bravo-Young will sign autographs, throw out the first pitch and be part of an on-field activity during the night.
• Michael Mauti: Sept. 3 vs. Trenton. Mauti will also be on hand for the night’s activities.
Fireworks
The season will start and close with a bang as the home-opener on Friday, June 3 and the home finale on Sunday, Sept. 4 feature postgame fireworks shows.
Fireworks also are scheduled for after Saturday night games on June 11, June 25, July 9, July 30, Aug. 20, and Aug. 27, as well as Sunday, July 3 and Friday, July 29.
The Spikes and the Williamsport Crosscutters will rebrand to showcase non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on July 9.
Theme Nights
The Spikes will become the State College DiamondDawgs, adopting the identity of the DiamondDawgs NFTs created by former Spikes player and current St. Louis Cardinals minor league player Evan Mendoza. The Crosscutters will become the Williamsport Bored Apes, representing the Bored Ape Yacht Club, one of the most popular NFT collections.
Each jersey worn by players and coaches will highlight a different NFT in their respective collections. Proceeds from T-shirts showcasing each NFT collection, as well as the Spikes’ 50/50 drawing for the night, will go toward the Little League in Mendoza’s hometown of Sarasota, Fla.
“This will be one of the biggest NFT events ever, and I’m so excited that it will happen right where I started my professional baseball career,” said Mendoza. “Everyone will be trying to replicate what State College and Williamsport are doing because this is the first event of its kind. It’s the DiamondDawgs vs. Bored Ape Yacht Club, and we’re ready to make history.”
Other theme days/nights include:
Education Day
As the school year ends, the Spikes will welcome kids to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park for the team’s first Education Day game on Wednesday, June 8, when they play the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Game time will be 10:35 a.m., letting students take their field trip to the ballpark with an Education Day ticket package that includes a game ticket, a kids meal and a drawstring bag.
Paint the Park Pink Night
Spikes fans can once again join Mount Nittany Health in the fight against breast cancer on Saturday, July 30, when the Williamsport Crosscutters visit for a 6:35 p.m. first pitch. Gates will open to the general public at 5:30 p.m., and fans will be able to bid on the Spikes’ pink specialty jerseys in an auctionto benefit the Mount Nittany Foundation and aid breast cancer patients and research.
Bark in the Park
Fans will have four chances to bring their dogs to the ballpark: Tuesday, June 7, Saturday, July 2, Tuesday, August 9 and Friday, September 2.
Pooches and their people can enjoy the game from the outfield bleachers, the ballpark concourse or other select areas of the ballpark. Fans should review the Bark in the Park policies page at StateCollegeSpikes.com before attending.
Paint the Park Purple
Tuesday, June 7, also will be Paint the Park Purple presented by Juniper Village to support the fight against Alzheimer’s Disease. For the 6:35 p.m. game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, fans are encouraged to wear purple, and with doggie doors opening to our furry friends starting at 5:30 p.m., the first 150 dogs through the gates will receive a purple puppy bandana giveawy. Fans will also be able to learn how they can help raise funds and awareness in the fight against Alzheimer’s through concourse information tables, in-game spotlights and other activities.
Pride Night
The Spikes will join the LGBTQ+ community in celebrating National Pride Month on Thursday, June 9 during the 6:35 p.m. game against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The first 500 fans through the gates when they open at 5:30 p.m. will receive a Pride T-Shirt giveaway, featuring a rainbow flag pattern inside the Spikes’ “ribbon-S” logo.
Still Strong Night
The Spikes partner with the Still Strong Foundation on Sunday, July 30 to help provide assistance for families whose children are battling cancer. The Spikes’ 4:05 p.m. game with Mahoning Valley feature a special appearance from foundation co-founder, former NFL defensive lineman and Penn State alumnus Devon Still, who will throw out the first pitch and be part of the night’s activities. proceeds from the Spikes’ 50/50 drawing for the night will go to the Still Strong Foundation.
Hockey Night in Happy Valley
The 4:05 p.m. game on Sunday, Aug. 28, against Williamsport will be a tribute to hockey. Specialty jerseys worn by Spikes players and coaches will be auctioned to benefit Children’s Miracle Network, and fans will enjoy hockey fun in the summertime.
Autism Acceptance Night
The Spikes and the Central PA Autism Community partner for Autism Acceptance Night on Saturday, July 9, featuring autism education efforts at the ballpark, a sensory room to create a welcoming environment and more events at the 6:35 p.m. game against Williamsport.
Scout Night
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be highlighted on Saturday, July 30, when the Spikes host Williamsport at 6:35 p.m.. The night will feature a variety of activities to engage and spotlight Scouts at the ballpark.
Community Nights
The Spikes’ Community Nights return for 2022, including:
• Clearfield County Night – Saturday, July 9
• Philipsburg-Osceola Community Night– Friday, July 29
• Penns Valley Community Night – Saturday, July 30
• Bellefonte Community Night – Thursday, August 11
• Mifflin/Juniata County Night – Saturday, August 27
• Huntingdon County Night – Sunday, August 28
Each Community Night features a free Kids Zone throughout the game.
For other specials and promotions, visit statecollegespikes.com.
The Spikes’ 40 home games this season are the most in club history. Monday through Saturday home games will start at 6:35 p.m., with Sunday games starting at 4:05 p.m. Exceptions will be on Wednesday, June 8 with a 10:35 a.m. start time, Sunday, July 3 (6:35 p.m.), Thursday, Aug. 4 (12:05 p.m.), and the home finale on Sunday, Sept. 4 (6:35 p.m.).
SPIKESFEST RETURNS ON SATURDAY
Single-game tickets for all 40 home games will go on sale this Saturday during SpikesFest, the team’s annual family carnival, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Medlar Field.
Admission to SpikesFest is free and the day will feature a variety of events, including inflatable games, bounce house, an Easter egg hunt, National Anthem tryouts, kids activities, mascot appearances, performances by local entertainment groups, a merchandise and memorabilia auction and more.
For a full list of activities, visit spikesfest.com.
