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. read more